Human CGRP receptor binding proteins

ABSTRACT

Antigen binding proteins that bind to human CGRP receptor (CGRP R) are provided. Nucleic acids encoding the antigen binding protein, vectors, and cells encoding the same are also provided. The antigen binding proteins can inhibit binding of CGRP R to CGRP, and are useful in a number of CGRP R related disorders, including the treatment and/or prevention of migraine headaches.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims benefit of priority to U.S. Ser. No.61/203,569, filed 23 Dec. 2008 and U.S. Ser. No. 61/264,622, filed 25Nov. 2009.

BACKGROUND

The instant application contains a Sequence Listing which has beensubmitted via EFS-Web and is hereby incorporated by reference in itsentirety. Said ASCII copy, created on Dec. 14, 2009, is namedA14720US.txt, and is 293,258 bytes in size

The calcitonin superfamily of peptides includes at least five knownmembers: calcitonin, amylin, adrenomedullin, and two calcitoningene-related peptides (“CGRP”), CGRP1 (also known as ctCGRP, or CGRP)and CGRP2 (also known as βCGRP). CGRP is a 37 amino acid vasoactiveneuropeptide expressed in both the central and peripheral nervoussystems, and has been shown to be a potent vasodilator in the periphery,where CGRP-containing neurons are closely associated with blood vessels.CGRP-mediated vasodilatation is also associated with neurogenicinflammation, as part of a cascade of events that results inextravasation of plasma and vasodialation of the microvasculature and ispresent in migraine. Amy1 in also has specific binding sites in the CNSand is thought to regulate gastric emptying and have a role incarbohydrate metabolism. Adrenomedullin is a potent vasodilator.adrenomedullin has specific receptors on astrocytes and its messengerRNA is upregulated in CNS tissues that are subject to ischemia.(Zimmermann, et al., Identification of adrenomedullin receptors incultured rat astrocytes and in neuroblastoma glioma hybrid cells(NG108-15), Brain Res., 724:238-245 (1996); Wang et al., Discovery ofadrenomedullin in rat ischemic cortex and evidence for its role inexacerbating focal brain ischemic damage, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA,92:11480-11484 (1995)).

Calcitonin is involved in the control of bone metabolism and is alsoactive in the central nervous system (CNS). The biological activities ofCGRP include the regulation of neuromuscular junctions, of antigenpresentation within the immune system, of vascular tone and of sensoryneurotransmission. (Poyner, D. R., Calcitonin gene-related peptide:multiple actions, multiple receptors, Pharmacol. Ther., 56:23-51 (1992);Muff et al., Calcitonin, calcitonin gene related peptide, adrenomedullinand amylin: homologous peptides, separate receptors and overlappingbiological actions, Eur. J. Endocrinol., 133: 17-20 (1995)). Threecalcitonin receptor stimulating peptides (CRSPs) have also beenidentified in a number of mammalian species; the CRSPs may form a newsubfamily in the CGRP family. (Katafuchi, T and Minamino, N, Structureand biological properties of three calcitonin receptor-stimulatingpeptides, novel members of the calcitonin gene-related peptide family,Peptides, 25(11):2039-2045 (2004)).

The calcitonin superfamily peptides act throughseven-transmembrane-domain G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Thecalcitonin receptor (“CT”, “CTR” or “CT receptor”) and CGRP receptorsare type II (“family B”) GPCRs, which family includes other GPCRs thatrecognize regulatory peptides such as secretin, glucagon and vasoactiveintestinal polypeptide (VIP). The best characterized splice variants ofhuman calcitonin receptor differ depending on the presence (formerlyCTR_(II+) or CTR1, now known as CT_((b))) or absence (the major splicevariant, formerly CTR_(II−) or CTR₂, now known as CT_((a))) of 16 aminoacids in the first intracellular loop. (Gorn et al., Expression of twohuman skeletal calcitonin receptor isoforms cloned from a giant celltumor of bone: the first intracellular domain modulates ligand bindingand signal transduction, J. Clin. Invest., 95:2680-2691 (1995); Hay etal., Amylin receptors: molecular composition and pharmacology, Biochem.Soc. Trans., 32:865-867 (2004); Poyner et al., 2002). The existence ofat least two CGRP receptor subtypes had been proposed from differentialantagonist affinities and agonist potencies in a variety of in vivo andin vitro bioassays. (Dennis et al., CGRP8-37, A calcitonin gene-relatedpeptide antagonist revealing calcitonin gene-related peptide receptorheterogeneity in brain and periphery, J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther.,254:123-128 (1990); Dennis et al., Structure-activity profile ofcalcitonin gene-related peptide in peripheral and brain tissues.Evidence for multiplicity, J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther., 251:718-725 (1989);Dumont et al., A potent and selective CGRP2 agonist, [Cys(Et)2,7]hCGRP:comparison in prototypical CGRP₁ and CGRP2 in vitro assays, Can. J.Physiol. Pharmacol., 75:671-676 (1997)).

The CGRP₁ receptor subtype was found to be sensitive to the antagonistfragment CGRP(8-37). (Chiba et al., Calcitonin gene-related peptidereceptor antagonist human CGRP-(8-37), Am. J. Physiol., 256:E331-E335(1989); Dennis et al. (1990); Mimeault et al., Comparative affinitiesand antagonistic potencies of various human calcitonin gene-relatedpeptide fragments on calcitonin gene-related peptide receptors in brainand periphery, J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther., 258:1084-1090 (1991)). Bycontrast, the CGRP₂ receptor was sensitive to linear human CGRP (hCGRP)analogs, in which the cysteine residues at positions 2 and 7 werederivatized (e.g., with acetoaminomethyl [Cys(ACM)^(2,7)] or ethylamide[Cys(Et)^(2,7)]) but CGRP₂ receptor was insensitive to fragmentCGRP(8-37). (Dennis et al. (1989); Dennis et al. (1990); Dumont et al.(1997)).

Ligand specificity of calcitonin receptor and calcitonin-like receptor(“CL”, “CLR” or “CRLR”) depend on the co-expression of members of afamily of accessory proteins called the receptor activity modifyingproteins (RAMPs). The RAMP family includes three polypeptides (RAMP1,RAMP2 and RAMP3) that act as receptor modulators that determine theligand specificity of receptors for the calcitonin family members. RAMPsare type I transmembrane proteins that share about 30% amino acidsequence identity and a common predicted topology, with shortcytoplasmic C-termini, one trans-membrane domain and large extracellularN-termini that are responsible for the specificity. (McLatchie et al.,(1998) RAMPs regulate the transport and ligand specificity of thecalcitonin-receptor-like receptor, Nature, 393:333-339; Fraser et al.,(1999) The amino terminus of receptor activity modifying proteins is acritical determinant of glycosylation state and ligand binding ofcalcitonin receptor-like receptor, Molecular Pharmacology,55:1054-1059).

In 1998, the CGRP₁ receptor was identified as a heterodimer composed ofa novel single transmembrane domain accessory protein, receptoractivity-modifying protein 1 (RAMP1), and CRLR. (McLatchie et al.,supra). Cross-linking experiments suggested the CGRP receptor consistedof a one-to-one stoichiometric arrangement of CRLR and RAMP1 (Hilairetet al. JBC 276, 42182-42190 (2001)), more recent studies using severalmethodologies such as BRET and BiFC revealed that the functional CGRPreceptor complex may be composed of asymmetric homo-oligomer of CRLR andmonomer of RAMP1 (Heroux et al. JBC 282, 31610-31620 (2007)).

A purified CRLR N-terminal domain has been shown to specifically bind¹²⁵I-CGRP (Chauhan et al. Biochemistry 44, 782 (2005)), confirming theimportant and direct interaction between the CRLR with CGRP ligand. Inparticular, Leu 24 and Leu 34 of CRLR are believed to constitute thedocking site of the C-terminus Phe37 of CGRP (Banerjee et al. BMCPharmacol. 6, 9 (2006)). Furthermore, Koller et al. (FEBS Lett. 531,464-468 (2002)) obtained evidence that that the N-terminal 18 amino acidresidues of CRLR contributes the selective interaction with CGRP oradrenomedullin, and Ittner et al (Biochemistry 44, 5749-5754 (2005))suggested that the N-terminal amino acid residues 23-60 of CRLR mediateassociation with RAMP1.

A structure-function analysis of RAMP1 identified residues 91-103, whichcorrelate to “helix 3” (Simms et al. Biophys. J. 91, 662-669 (2006)), aspotentially significant in interaction with CRLR, and residues Trp74 andPhe92 as potentially interacting with the CGRP ligand in connection withits binding to the CGRP receptor complex. Ligand binding studies using ahuman/rat RAMP1 chimera suggest that the binding site for certain smallmolecule inhibitors of CGRP R (e.g., BIBN4096BS), is located within aregion which includes amino acids 66-102 of RAMP1 (Mallee et al. JBC277, 14294-14298 (2002)).

CRLR has 55% overall amino acid sequence identity with CTR, although thetransmembrane domains are almost 80% identical. (McLatchie et al.(1998); Poyner et al., International union of pharmacology. XXXII. Themammalian calcitonin gene-related peptides, adrenomedullin, amylin andcalcitonin receptors, Pharmacol. Rev., 54:233-246 (2002)).

CRLR has been shown to form a high affinity receptor for CGRP, whenassociated with RAMP1, or, to preferentially bind adrenomedullin whenassociated with RAMP2 or RAMP3. (McLatchie et al. (1998); Sexton et al.,Receptor activity modifying proteins, Cellular Signaling, 13:73-83(2001); Conner et al., Interaction of calcitonin-gene-related peptidewith its receptors, Biochemical Society Transactions 30(Part 4): 451-454(2002)). The glycosylation state of CRLR is associated with itspharmacology. RAMPs 1, 2, and 3 transport CRLR to the plasma membranewith similar efficiencies, however RAMP1 presents CRLR as a terminallyglycosylated, mature glycoprotein and a CGRP receptor, whereas RAMPs 2and 3 present CRLR as an immature, core glycosylated adrenomedullinreceptor (“AM” or “AMR” or “AM receptor”. (Fraser et al. (1999)).Characterization of the CRLR/RAMP2 and CRLR/RAMP3 receptors in HEK293Tcells by radioligand binding (¹²⁵I-adrenomedullin as radioligand),functional assay (cAMP measurement), or biochemical analysis(SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis) revealed them to beindistinguishable, even though RAMPs 2 and 3 share only 30% amino acidsequence identity. (Fraser et al. 1999)). Differences have beenobserved, however, in the pharmacology for CRLR expressed with RAMP 2versus RAMP 3. Both CGRP and CGRP8-37, as well as adrenomedullin and theadrenomedullin-derived peptide AM 22-52, are active at the RAMP 3heterodimer, indicating that this complex may act as both a CGRP and anAM receptor. (Howitt et al., British Journal of Pharmacology,140:477-486 (2003); Muff et al., Hypertens. Res., 26:S3-S8 (2003)).Co-expression of human CRLR with rat RAMP1, and vice versa, suggestedthat the RAMP1 species determined the pharmacological characteristics ofthe CRLR/RAMP1 complex with respect to several small molecule CGRPreceptor antagonists tested. (Mallee et al., Receptor Activity-ModifyingProtein 1 determines the species selectivity of non-peptide CGRPreceptor antagonists, J. Biol. Chem., 277(16):14294-14298 (2002)).Unless associated with a RAMP, CRLR is not known to bind any endogenousligand; it is currently the only GPCR thought to behave this way.(Conner et al., A key role for transmembrane prolines in calcitoninreceptor-like agonist binding and signaling: implications for family BG-protein-coupled receptors, Molec. Pharmacol., 67(1):20-31 (2005)).

Calcitonin receptor (CT) has also been demonstrated to formheterodimeric complexes with RAMPs, which are known as amylin receptors(“AMY”, “AMY R” or “AMY receptor”). Generally, CT/RAMP1 receptors(referred to as “AMY₁” or “AMY1”) have high affinity for salmoncalcitonin, amylin and CGRP and lower affinity for mammaliancalcitonins. For CT/RAMP2 receptors (“AMY₂” or “AMY2”) and CT/RAMP3receptors (“AMY₃” or “AMY3”), a similar pattern is principally observed,although the affinity for CGRP is lower and may not be significant atphysiologically relevant ligand concentrations. The precise receptorphenotype is dependent on cell type and CTR splice variant (CT_((a)) orCT_((b))), particularly for RAMP2-generated amylin receptors. Forexample, a pure population of osteoclast-like cells reportedly expressedRAMP2, CTR, and CRLR, but not RAMP1 or RAMP3. (Hay et al. (2004);Christopoulos et al., Multiple amylin receptors arise from receptoractivity-modifying protein interaction with the calcitonin receptor geneproduct, Molecular Pharmacology, 56:235-242 (1999); Muff et al., Anamylin receptor is revealed following co-transfection of a calcitoninreceptor with receptor activity modifying proteins-1 or -3,Endocrinology, 140:2924-2927 (1999); Sexton et al. (2001); Leuthauser etal., Receptor-activity-modifying protein 1 forms heterodimers with twoG-protein-coupled receptors to define ligand recognition, Biochem. J.,351:347-351 (2000); Tilakaratne et al., Amylin receptor phenotypesderived from human calcitonin receptor/RAMP co-expression exhibitpharmacological differences dependent on receptor isoform and host cellenvironment, J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther., 294:61-72 (2000); Nakamura etal., Osteoclast-like cells express receptor activity modifying protein2: application of laser capture microdissection, J. Molec. Endocrinol.,34:257-261 (2005)).

Table 1, below, summarizes the relationship of the receptor componentsdiscussed above.

TABLE 1 Receptor CT (calcitonin Component CRLR (CL) receptor) RAMP1 CGRPreceptor AMY1 receptor RAMP2 AM1 receptor AMY2 receptor RAMP3 AM2receptor AMY3 receptor

Therapeutic uses of CGRP antagonists have been proposed. Noda et al.described the use of CGRP or CGRP derivatives for inhibiting plateletaggregation and for the treatment or prevention of arteriosclerosis orthrombosis. (EP 0385712 B1). Liu et al. disclosed therapeutic agentsthat modulate the activity of CTR, including vehicle-conjugated peptidessuch as calcitonin and human αCGRP. (WO 01/83526 A2; US 2002/0090646A1). Vasoactive CGRP peptide antagonists and their use in a method forinhibiting CGRP binding to CGRP receptors were disclosed by Smith etal.; such CGRP peptide antagonists were shown to inhibit CGRP binding tocoronary artery membranes and to relax capsaicin-treated pig coronaryarteries. (U.S. Pat. No. 6,268,474 B1; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,756,205 B2).Rist et al. disclosed peptide analogs with CGRP receptor antagonistactivity and their use in a drug for treatment and prophylaxis of avariety of disorders. (DE 19732944 A1).

CGRP is a potent vasodilator that has been implicated in the pathologyof a number of vasomotor symptoms, such as all forms of vascularheadache, including migraines (with or without aura) and clusterheadache. Durham, N. Engl. J. Med. 350:1073-1 075, 2004. Migrainepathophysiology involves the activation of the trigeminal ganglia, whereCGRP is localized, and CGRP levels significantly increase during amigraine attack. This in turn, promotes cranial blood vessel dilationand neurogenic inflammation and sensitization. (Doods, H., Curr. Opin.Investig. Drugs, 2:1261-1268 (2001)). Further, the serum levels of CGRPin the external jugular vein are elevated in patients during migraineheadache. Goadsby et al., Ann. Neurol. 28:183-7, 1990. Intravenousadministration of human ci-CGRP induced headache and migraine inpatients suffering from migraine without aura, supporting the view thatCGRP has a causative role in migraine (Lassen et al, Cephalalgia22:54-61, 2002).

Migraine is a complex, common neurological condition that ischaracterized by severe, episodic attacks of headache and associatedfeatures, which may include nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light,sound or movement. In some patients, the headache is preceded oraccompanied by an aura. The headache pain may be severe and may also beunilateral in certain patients. Migraine attacks are disruptive to dailylife. In US and Western Europe, the overall prevalence of migrainesufferers is 11% of the general population (6% males; 15-18% females).Furthermore, the median frequency of attacks in an individual is1.5/month. While there are a number of treatments available to alleviateor reduce symptoms, preventive therapy is recommended for those patientshaving more than 3-4 attacks of migraine per month. Goadsby, et al. NewEngl. J. Med. 346(4): 257-275, 2002. Some migraine patients have beentreated with topiramate, an anticonvulsant that blocks voltage-dependentsodium channels and certain glutamate receptors (AMPA-kainate),potentiates GABA-A receptor activity, and blocks carbonic anhydrase. Therelatively recent success of serotonin 5HT-I B/ID and/or 5HT-1 areceptor agonists, such as sumatriptan, in some patients has ledresearchers to propose a serotonergic etiology of the disorder.Unfortunately, while some patients respond well to this treatment,others are relatively resistant to its effects.

Possible CGRP involvement in migraine has been the basis for thedevelopment and testing of a number of compounds that inhibit release ofCGRP (e.g., sumatriptan), antagonize at the CGRP receptor (e.g.,dipeptide derivative BIBN4096BS (Boehringer Ingelheim); CGRP(8-37)), orinteract with one or more of receptor-associated proteins, such as,RAMP1. Brain, S. et al., Trends in Pharmacological Sciences 23:51-53,2002. Alpha-2 adrenoceptor subtypes and adenosine Al receptors alsocontrol (inhibit) CGRP release and trigeminal activation (Goadsby etal., Brain 125:1392-401, 2002). On the other hand, treatment withcompounds that exclusively inhibit neurogenic inflammation (e.g.,tachykinin NKI receptor antagonists) or trigeminal activation (e.g.,5HT10 receptor agonists) appears to be relatively ineffective as acutetreatments for migraine, leading some to question whether inhibitingrelease of CGRP is the basis of effective anti-migraine treatments.Arulmani et al., Eur. J. Pharmacol. 500:315-330, 2004.

Although the precise pathophysiology of migraine is not yet wellunderstood, the therapeutic use of CGRP antagonists and CGRP-targetingaptamers has been proposed for the treatment of migraine and otherdisorders. (E.g., Olesen et al., Calcitonin gene-related peptidereceptor antagonist BIBN 4096 BS for the acute treatment of migraine,New Engl. J. Med., 350:1104-1110 (2004); Perspective: CGRP-receptorantagonists—a fresh approach to migraine, New Engl. J. Med., 350:1075(2004); Vater et al., Short bioactive Spiegelmers to migraine-associatedcalcitonin gene-related peptide rapidly identified by a novel approach:tailored-SELEX, Nuc. Acids Res., 31(21 e130):1-7 (2003); WO 96/03993).Further, a potent small-molecule CGRP antagonist has been shown torelieve moderate-to-severe migraine attacks, including migraine pain andmigraine-associated symptoms, in a recent Phase III clinical trial(Connor, et al. Efficacy and Safety of telcagepant (MK-0974), a NovelOral CGRP Receptor Antagonist, for Acute Migraine Attacks. Poster,European Headache and Migraine Trust International Congress, London,England, September 2008).

CGRP may also be involved in chronic pain syndromes other than migraine.In rodents, intrathecally delivered CGRP induces severe pain, and CGRPlevels are enhanced in a number of pain models. In addition, CGRPantagonists partially block nociception in acute pancreatitis in rodents(Wick, et al., (2006) Surgery, Volume 139, Issue 2, Pages 197-201).Together, these observations imply that a potent and selective CGRPreceptor antagonist can be an effective therapeutic for treatment ofchronic pain, including migraine.

SUMMARY

Isolated antibodies, antigen-binding fragments thereof and otherisolated antigen-binding proteins that bind CGRP R, particularly primateCGRP R, e.g., human CGRP R, are described herein. Such isolatedantigen-binding proteins may selectively inhibit primate CGRP R (ascompared with primate AM1, AM2, CT or amylin receptors) and may bindboth the CRLR and RAMP1 components of CGRP R. The CGRP R bindingproteins were found to inhibit, interfere with, or modulate at least oneof the biological responses related to CGRP R, and as such, are usefulfor ameliorating the effects of CGRP R-related diseases or disorders.Binding of certain antigen-binding proteins to CGRP R can, therefore,have one or more of the following activities: inhibiting, interferingwith, or modulating CGRP R, inhibiting vasodialation, decreasingneurogenic inflammation, and alleviating, ameliorating, treating,preventing, or reducing symptoms of chronic pain or migraine.

In one exemplary aspect, the isolated antigen-binding proteinsselectively inhibit human CGRP receptor (as compared with the human AM1,AM2 or amylin receptors). In some embodiments, the isolated antigenbinding protein selectively inhibits the human CGRP receptor with aselectivity ratio of 50 or more, 75 or more, 100 or more, 150 or more,200 or more, 250 or more, 300 or more, 400 or more, 500 or more, 750 ormore or 1,000 or more. The degree of selective inhibition may bedetermined using any suitable method, e.g., using a cAMP assay asdescribed in the Examples herein. In some embodiments, the isolatedantigen binding protein specifically binds to both human CRLR and humanRAMP1, and does not specifically bind to human AM1, human AM2 or a humanamylin receptor (e.g., AMY1 or AMY2). For example, the isolated antigenbinding protein may specifically bind human CGRP R with a K_(D)≦1 μM,≦100 nM, ≦10 nM, or ≦5 nM. In some embodiments, the isolated antigenbinding protein specifically binds to human CGRP R with a K_(D)≦100 nM,≦10 nM, or ≦5 nM as determined using a FACS binding assay and analyzed,for example, using methods described in Rathanaswami, et al.,Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications 334 (2005)1004-1013. In some embodiments, the isolated antigen binding protein hasa Ki of ≦100 nM, ≦10 nM, ≦1 nM, ≦0.5 nM or ≦0.1 nM in a CGRP bindingcompetition assay. In some embodiments, the isolated antigen bindingprotein has a Ki of ≦100 nM, ≦50 nM, ≦20 nM, ≦10 nM, ≦1 nM, ≦0.5 nM or≦0.1 nM in a radiolabeled ¹²⁵I-CGRP binding competition assay tomembranes from cells expressing human CGRP R, for example, the assaydescribed in Example 5 herein.

In another exemplary aspect, the isolated antigen-binding proteinscompete for binding to human CGRP R, e.g., the extracellular portion ofCGRP R, with a reference antibody comprising a heavy chain variableregion comprising a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQID NO:158-170 and a light chain variable region comprising a sequenceselected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:137-153. In someembodiments, binding competition is assessed using a binning assays,e.g., using a Biacore analysis, for example, as described in Example 7herein. In some embodiments, the isolated antigen binding proteincompetes for binding to human CGRP R with a reference antibody, thereference antibody comprising (i) a heavy chain variable regioncomprising a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ IDNOs:161, 163, 164, 166 and 168; and (ii) a light chain variable regioncomprising a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:140, 143, 146, 148 and 150. In certain embodiments, the referenceantibody comprises (i) a heavy chain defined by a sequence selected fromthe group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:32, 34, 35, 37 and 39; and (ii) alight chain defined by a sequence selected from the group consisting ofSEQ ID NOs: 15, 18, 21, 23 and 25. In more specific embodiments, thereference antibody comprises a heavy chain and a light chain defined byone of the following pairs of sequences: (i) SEQ ID NO: 32 and SEQ IDNO: 15; (ii) SEQ ID NO: 34 and SEQ ID NO: 18; (iii) SEQ ID NO: 35 andSEQ ID NO: 21; (iv) SEQ ID NO: 37 and SEQ ID NO: 23; and (v) SEQ ID NO:39 and SEQ ID NO: 25. In one such embodiment, the reference antibodycomprises a heavy chain comprising SEQ ID NO: 32 and a light chaincomprising SEQ ID NO: 15. In another such embodiment, the referenceantibody comprises a heavy chain comprising SEQ ID NO: 34 and a lightchain comprising SEQ ID NO: 18. In another such embodiment, thereference antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising SEQ ID NO: 35 anda light chain comprising SEQ ID NO: 21. In another such embodiment, thereference antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising SEQ ID NO: 37 anda light chain comprising SEQ ID NO: 23. In another such embodiment, thereference antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising SEQ ID NO: 39 anda light chain comprising SEQ ID NO: 25.

In certain embodiments, the isolated antigen-binding proteins thatcompete for binding to human CGRP R also selectively inhibit the humanCGRP receptor, e.g., with a selectivity ratio of 100 or more, 250 ormore, 500 or more, 750 or more, 1,000 or more, 2,500 or more, 5,000 ormore or 10,000 or more, and such selectivity may be determined, e.g.,using a cAMP assay as described in the Examples herein. In relatedembodiments, the isolated antigen-binding proteins that compete forbinding to human CGRP R specifically binds to human CGRP R with aK_(D)≦1 μM, ≦100 nM, ≦10 nM, or ≦5 nM, e.g., as determined using a FACSbinding assay and analyzed, for example, using methods described inRathanaswami, et al., Biochemical and Biophysical ResearchCommunications 334 (2005) 1004-1013. In related embodiments, theisolated antigen-binding proteins that compete for binding to human CGRPR have a Ki of ≦100 nM, ≦10 nM, ≦1 nM, ≦0.5 nM or ≦0.1 nM in a CGRPbinding competition assay, e.g., in a radiolabeled ¹²⁵I-CGRP bindingcompetition assay to membranes from cells expressing human CGRP R, forexample, the assay described in Example 5 herein.

In any of the above-mentioned embodiments, the isolated antigen-bindingprotein that competes for binding to human CGRP R may be, for example, amonoclonal antibody, a polyclonal antibody, a recombinant antibody, ahuman (e.g., fully human) antibody, a humanized antibody, a chimericantibody, a multi-specific antibody, or an antigen binding fragmentthereof. Further, the antibody fragment of the isolated antigen-bindingprotein that competes for binding to human CGRP R can be a Fab fragment,and Fab′ fragment, an F(ab′)₂ fragment, an Fv fragment, a diabody or asingle chain antibody molecule; and may be, for example, a humanmonoclonal antibody, e.g., an IgG1-, IgG2-, IgG3-, or IgG4-typeantibody. In certain embodiments, the isolated antigen binding proteinsthat compete for binding to human CGRP R may be neutralizing antigenbinding proteins.

In certain exemplary aspects, the isolated antigen-binding proteinsdescribed, e.g., isolated antibodies or fragments thereof, comprise (A)one or more heavy chain complementary determining regions (CDRHs)selected from the group consisting of: (i) a CDRH1 having SEQ ID NO:134;(ii) a CDRH2 having SEQ ID NO:135; (iii) a CDRH3 having SEQ ID NO:136;and optionally (iv) a CDRH of (i), (ii) and (iii) that contains one ormore amino acid substitutions (e.g., conservative amino acidsubstitutions), deletions or insertions that collectively total no morethan four amino acids; (B) one or more light chain complementarydetermining regions (CDRLs) selected from the group consisting of: (i) aCDRL1 selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:107, 111 and 118;(ii) a CDRL2 selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 108, 112and 119; (iii) a CDRL3 selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:109, 113 and 120; and optionally (iv) a CDRL of (i), (ii) and (iii) thatcontains one or more, e.g., one, two, three, four or more, amino acidsubstitutions (e.g., conservative amino acid substitutions), deletionsor insertions that collectively total no more than four amino acids; or(C) one or more heavy chain CDRHs of (A) and one or more light chainCDRLs of (B).

In some embodiments, the CDRHs are further selected from the groupconsisting of: (i) a CDRH1 having SEQ ID NO:131; (ii) a CDRH2 having SEQID NO:132; (iii) a CDRH3 having SEQ ID NO:133; and optionally (iv) aCDRH of (i), (ii) and (iii) that contains one or more, e.g., one, two,three, four or more amino acid substitutions (e.g., conservative aminoacid substitutions), deletions or insertions that collectively total nomore than three amino acids. In related embodiments, the CDRHs arefurther selected from the group consisting of: (i) a CDRH1 selected fromthe group consisting of SEQ ID NO:76, 88, 100, 121, 125 and 128; (ii) aCDRH2 selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 89, 101, 122,124, 126, and 129; (iii) a CDRH3 selected from the group consisting ofSEQ ID NO: 78, 90, 102, 123, 127, and 130; and optionally (iv) a CDRH of(i), (ii) and (iii) that contains one or more, e.g., one, two, three,four or more amino acid substitutions (e.g., conservative amino acidsubstitutions), deletions or insertions that collectively total no morethan two amino acids. In other related embodiments, the CDRHs arefurther selected from the group consisting of: (i) a CDRH1 selected fromthe group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 73, 76, 79, 82, 85, 88, 92, 97, and100; (ii) a CDRH2 selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 74,77, 80, 83, 86, 89, 91, 93, 95, 98, 101, and 129; (iii) a CDRH3 selectedfrom the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 75, 78, 81, 84, 87, 90, 96, 99,102, and 123; and optionally (iv) a CDRH of (i), (ii) and (iii) thatcontains one or more, e.g., one, two, three, four or more amino acidsubstitutions (e.g., conservative amino acid substitutions), deletionsor insertions that collectively total no more than two amino acids.

In some embodiments, the CDRLs are further selected from the groupconsisting of: (i) a CDRL1 selected from the group consisting of SEQ IDNOs:107, 111 and 115; (ii) a CDRL2 selected from the group consisting ofSEQ ID NOs: 108, 112 and 116; (iii) a CDRL3 selected from the groupconsisting of SEQ ID NOs: 109, 113 and 117; and optionally (iv) a CDRLof (i), (ii) and (iii) that contains one or more, e.g., one, two, three,four or more amino acid substitutions (e.g., conservative amino acidsubstitutions), deletions or insertions. In some embodiments, the aminoacid substitutions (e.g., conservative amino acid substitutions),deletions or insertions collectively total no more than three aminoacids per CDRL. In some embodiments, the amino acid substitutions,deletions or insertions collectively total no more than two amino acidsper CDRL. In related embodiments, the CDRLs are further selected fromthe group consisting of: (i) a CDRL1 selected from the group consistingof SEQ ID NOs: 42, 45, 51, 57, 62, 69, 103, and 110; (ii) a CDRL2selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 43, 52, 55, 58, 63,70, 104, 108, and 114; (iii) a CDRL3 selected from the group consistingof SEQ ID NOs: 44, 47, 53, 56, 59, 64, 105, and 106; and optionally (iv)a CDRL of (i), (ii) and (iii) that contains one or more, e.g., one, two,three, four or more amino acid substitutions (e.g., conservative aminoacid substitutions), deletions or insertions that collectively total nomore than two amino acids. In additional related embodiments, the CDRLsare further selected from the group consisting of: (i) a CDRL1 selectedfrom the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 42, 45, 48, 51, 54, 57, 62, 65,66, and 69; (ii) a CDRL2 selected from the group consisting of SEQ IDNOs: 43, 46, 49, 52, 55, 58, 61, 63, 67, and 70; (iii) a CDRL3 selectedfrom the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 44, 47, 50, 53, 56, 59, 64, 68,71, and 72; and optionally (iv) a CDRL of (i), (ii) and (iii) thatcontains one or more, e.g., one, two, three, four or more amino acidsubstitutions (e.g., conservative amino acid substitutions), deletionsor insertions. In one embodiment, the total number of amino acidsubstitutions, deletions or insertions is no more than two amino acidsper CDR. In another embodiment, the amino acid substitutions areconservative substitutions.

In another embodiment, the isolated antigen-binding protein comprises atleast one or two CDRH of any of the above-mentioned (A) and at least oneor two CDRL of any of the above-mentioned (B). In yet anotherembodiment, the isolated antigen-binding protein comprises (i) at leastthree CDRH of any of the above-mentioned (A), where the three CDRHsinclude CDRH1, a CDRH2 and a CDRH3, and (ii) at least three CDRL of anyof the above-mentioned (B), where the three CDRLs include CDRL1, a CDRL2and a CDRL3. In additional embodiments, the isolated antigen bindingproteins described above comprise a first amino acid sequence comprisingat least one CDRH and a second amino acid sequence comprising at leastone CDRL. In one embodiment, the first and the second amino acidsequences are covalently bonded to each other.

In another aspect, the isolated antigen-binding protein includes aCDRH1, a CDRH2 and a CDRH3. In one embodiment, CDRH1 comprises SEQ IDNO:73, CDRH2 comprises SEQ ID NO:74 and CDRH3 comprises SEQ ID NO:75. Inanother embodiment, CDRH1 comprises SEQ ID NO:76, CDRH2 comprises SEQ IDNO:77 and CDRH3 comprises SEQ ID NO:78. In another embodiment, CDRH1comprises SEQ ID NO:79, CDRH2 comprises SEQ ID NO:80 and CDRH3 comprisesSEQ ID NO:81. In another embodiment, CDRH1 comprises SEQ ID NO:82, CDRH2comprises SEQ ID NO:83 and CDRH3 comprises SEQ ID NO:84. In anotherembodiment, CDRH1 comprises SEQ ID NO:85, CDRH2 comprises SEQ ID NO:86and CDRH3 comprises SEQ ID NO:87. In another embodiment, CDRH1 comprisesSEQ ID NO:88, CDRH2 comprises SEQ ID NO:89 and CDRH3 comprises SEQ IDNO:90. In another embodiment, CDRH1 comprises SEQ ID NO:76, CDRH2comprises SEQ ID NO:91 and CDRH3 comprises SEQ ID NO:78. In anotherembodiment, CDRH1 comprises SEQ ID NO:92, CDRH2 comprises SEQ ID NO:93and CDRH3 comprises SEQ ID NO:94. In another embodiment, CDRH1 comprisesSEQ ID NO:76, CDRH2 comprises SEQ ID NO:95 and CDRH3 comprises SEQ IDNO:78. In another embodiment, CDRH1 comprises SEQ ID NO:73, CDRH2comprises SEQ ID NO:74 and CDRH3 comprises SEQ ID NO:96. In anotherembodiment, CDRH1 comprises SEQ ID NO:97, CDRH2 comprises SEQ ID NO:98and CDRH3 comprises SEQ ID NO:99. In another embodiment, CDRH1 comprisesSEQ ID NO:100, CDRH2 comprises SEQ ID NO:101 and CDRH3 comprises SEQ IDNO:102.

In another aspect, the isolated antigen-binding protein includes a CDRL1sequence, a CDRL2 sequence and a CDRL3 sequence. In one embodiment,CDRL1 comprises SEQ ID NO:42, CDRL2 comprises SEQ ID NO:43 and CDRL3comprises SEQ ID NO:44. In another embodiment, CDRL1 comprises SEQ IDNO:45, CDRL2 comprises SEQ ID NO:46 and CDRL3 comprises SEQ ID NO:47. Inanother embodiment, CDRL1 comprises SEQ ID NO:48, CDRL2 comprises SEQ IDNO:49 and CDRL3 comprises SEQ ID NO:50. In another embodiment, CDRL1comprises SEQ ID NO:51, CDRL2 comprises SEQ ID NO:52 and CDRL3 comprisesSEQ ID NO:53. In another embodiment, CDRL1 comprises SEQ ID NO:54, CDRL2comprises SEQ ID NO:55 and CDRL3 comprises SEQ ID NO:56. In anotherembodiment, CDRL1 comprises SEQ ID NO:57, CDRL2 comprises SEQ ID NO:58and CDRL3 comprises SEQ ID NO:59. In another embodiment, CDRL1 comprisesSEQ ID NO:60, CDRL2 comprises SEQ ID NO:55 and CDRL3 comprises SEQ IDNO:56. In another embodiment, CDRL1 comprises SEQ ID NO:45, CDRL2comprises SEQ ID NO:61 and CDRL3 comprises SEQ ID NO:47. In anotherembodiment, CDRL1 comprises SEQ ID NO:62, CDRL2 comprises SEQ ID NO:63and CDRL3 comprises SEQ ID NO:64. In another embodiment, CDRL1 comprisesSEQ ID NO:65, CDRL2 comprises SEQ ID NO:55 and CDRL3 comprises SEQ IDNO:56. In another embodiment, CDRL1 comprises SEQ ID NO:66, CDRL2comprises SEQ ID NO:67 and CDRL3 comprises SEQ ID NO:68. In anotherembodiment, CDRL1 comprises SEQ ID NO:69, CDRL2 comprises SEQ ID NO:70and CDRL3 comprises SEQ ID NO:71. In another embodiment, CDRL1 comprisesSEQ ID NO:69, CDRL2 comprises SEQ ID NO:70 and CDRL3 comprises SEQ IDNO:72.

In another aspect, the isolated antigen-binding protein includes a CDRL1sequence, a CDRL2 sequence, a CDRL3 sequence, a CDRH1 sequence, a CDRH2sequence and a CDRH3 sequence. In one embodiment, CDRL1 comprises SEQ IDNO:42, CDRL2 comprises SEQ ID NO:43, CDRL3 comprises SEQ ID NO:44, CDRH1comprises SEQ ID NO:73, CDRH2 comprises SEQ ID NO:74 and CDRH3 comprisesSEQ ID NO:75. In another embodiment, CDRL1 comprises SEQ ID NO:45, CDRL2comprises SEQ ID NO:46, CDRL3 comprises SEQ ID NO:47, CDRH1 comprisesSEQ ID NO:76, CDRH2 comprises SEQ ID NO:77 and CDRH3 comprises SEQ IDNO:78. In another embodiment, CDRL1 comprises SEQ ID NO:48, CDRL2comprises SEQ ID NO:49, CDRL3 comprises SEQ ID NO:50, CDRH1 comprisesSEQ ID NO:79, CDRH2 comprises SEQ ID NO:80 and CDRH3 comprises SEQ IDNO:81. In another embodiment, CDRL1 comprises SEQ ID NO:51, CDRL2comprises SEQ ID NO:52, CDRL3 comprises SEQ ID NO:53, CDRH1 comprisesSEQ ID NO:82, CDRH2 comprises SEQ ID NO:83 and CDRH3 comprises SEQ IDNO:84. In another embodiment, CDRL1 comprises SEQ ID NO:54, CDRL2comprises SEQ ID NO:55, CDRL3 comprises SEQ ID NO:56, CDRH1 comprisesSEQ ID NO:85, CDRH2 comprises SEQ ID NO:86 and CDRH3 comprises SEQ IDNO:87. In another embodiment, CDRL1 comprises SEQ ID NO:57, CDRL2comprises SEQ ID NO:58, CDRL3 comprises SEQ ID NO:59, CDRH1 comprisesSEQ ID NO:88, CDRH2 comprises SEQ ID NO:89 and CDRH3 comprises SEQ IDNO:90. In another embodiment, CDRL1 comprises SEQ ID NO:60, CDRL2comprises SEQ ID NO:55, CDRL3 comprises SEQ ID NO:56, CDRH1 comprisesSEQ ID NO:85, CDRH2 comprises SEQ ID NO:86 and CDRH3 comprises SEQ IDNO:87. In another embodiment, CDRL1 comprises SEQ ID NO:45, CDRL2comprises SEQ ID NO:61, CDRL3 comprises SEQ ID NO:47, CDRH1 comprisesSEQ ID NO:76, CDRH2 comprises SEQ ID NO:91 and CDRH3 comprises SEQ IDNO:78. In another embodiment, CDRL1 comprises SEQ ID NO:62, CDRL2comprises SEQ ID NO:63, CDRL3 comprises SEQ ID NO:64, CDRH1 comprisesSEQ ID NO:92, CDRH2 comprises SEQ ID NO:93 and CDRH3 comprises SEQ IDNO:94. In another embodiment, CDRL1 comprises SEQ ID NO:45, CDRL2comprises SEQ ID NO:61, CDRL3 comprises SEQ ID NO:47, CDRH1 comprisesSEQ ID NO:76, CDRH2 comprises SEQ ID NO:95 and CDRH3 comprises SEQ IDNO:78. In another embodiment, CDRL1 comprises SEQ ID NO:65, CDRL2comprises SEQ ID NO:55, CDRL3 comprises SEQ ID NO:56, CDRH1 comprisesSEQ ID NO:85, CDRH2 comprises SEQ ID NO:86 and CDRH3 comprises SEQ IDNO:87. In another embodiment, CDRL1 comprises SEQ ID NO:42, CDRL2comprises SEQ ID NO:43, CDRL3 comprises SEQ ID NO:44, CDRH1 comprisesSEQ ID NO:73, CDRH2 comprises SEQ ID NO:74 and CDRH3 comprises SEQ IDNO:96. In another embodiment, CDRL1 comprises SEQ ID NO:66, CDRL2comprises SEQ ID NO:67, CDRL3 comprises SEQ ID NO:68, CDRH1 comprisesSEQ ID NO:97, CDRH2 comprises SEQ ID NO:98 and CDRH3 comprises SEQ IDNO:99. In another embodiment, CDRL1 comprises SEQ ID NO:69, CDRL2comprises SEQ ID NO:70, CDRL3 comprises SEQ ID NO:71, CDRH1 comprisesSEQ ID NO:100, CDRH2 comprises SEQ ID NO:101 and CDRH3 comprises SEQ IDNO:102. In another embodiment, CDRL1 comprises SEQ ID NO:69, CDRL2comprises SEQ ID NO:70, CDRL3 comprises SEQ ID NO:72, CDRH1 comprisesSEQ ID NO:100, CDRH2 comprises SEQ ID NO:101 and CDRH3 comprises SEQ IDNO:102.

In any of the above-mentioned sequence-defined embodiments, the isolatedantigen-binding protein may be, for example, a monoclonal antibody, apolyclonal antibody, a recombinant antibody, a human (e.g., fully human)antibody, a humanized antibody, a chimeric antibody, a multi-specificantibody, or an antigen binding fragment thereof. Further, the antibodyfragment of the isolated antigen-binding proteins may be a Fab fragment,and Fab′ fragment, an F(ab′)₂ fragment, an Fv fragment, a diabody, or asingle chain antibody molecule. For example, the isolated antigenbinding protein may be a human monoclonal antibody, and may be, e.g., anIgG1-, IgG2-, IgG3-, or IgG4-type antibody. Further, the isolatedantigen binding proteins may be neutralizing antigen binding proteins.

In any of the above-mentioned sequence-defined embodiments, the isolatedantigen-binding protein may specifically bind to both human CRLR andhuman RAMP1 and not specifically bind to AM1, AM2 or a human amylinreceptor (e.g., AMY1), for example, the isolated antigen binding proteinmay specifically bind to human CGRP R with a K_(D)≦1 μM, ≦100 nM, ≦10nM, or ≦5 nM, e.g., as determined using a FACS binding assay andanalyzed, for example, using methods described in Rathanaswami, et al.,Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications 334 (2005)1004-1013. In any of the above-mentioned sequence-defined embodiments,the isolated antigen-binding protein may selectively inhibit human CGRPR, relative to the human the AM1, AM2 or AMY1 receptors, e.g., with aselectivity ratio of 100 or more, 250 or more, 500 or more, 750 or more,1,000 or more, 2,500 or more, 5,000 or more or 10,000 or more, where thedegree of selective inhibition may be determined using any suitablemethod, e.g., using a cAMP assay as described in the Examples herein. Inany of the above-mentioned sequence-defined embodiments, the isolatedantigen-binding protein may have a Ki of ≦100 nM, ≦10 nM, ≦1 nM, ≦0.5 nMor ≦0.1 nM in a CGRP binding competition assay, e.g., in a radiolabeled¹²⁵I-CGRP binding competition assay to membranes from cells expressinghuman CGRP R, e.g., the assay described in Example 5 herein.

Another set of embodiment includes isolated antigen-binding proteinsthat include one or a combination of CDRs having the consensus sequencesdescribed below, and optionally, bind human CGRP R. The consensussequences are derived from phylogenetically related CDR sequences. Inone aspect, the CDRs from the various groups may be mixed and matched inany particular isolated antigen-binding protein that binds human CGRP R.In another aspect, the antigen binding protein comprises heavy and lightchain CDRs that are derived from the same phylogenetically-related groupof antibody clones. Exemplary CDR consensus sequences are as follows:

K1 Consensus

CDR1 RASQGIRX₁DLG (SEQ ID NO:103), wherein X₁ is selected from the groupconsisting of N and K.

CDR2 X₁ASSLQS (SEQ ID NO:104), wherein X₁ is selected from the groupconsisting of A and G.

CDR3 LQYNX₁X₂PWT (SEQ ID NO:105), wherein X₁ is selected from the groupconsisting of I and S, and X₂ is selected from the group consisting of Yand F.

K4 Consensus

CDR3 QQYGNSLX₁R (SEQ ID NO:106), wherein X₁ is selected from the groupconsisting of S and C.

K1,4 Consensus

CDR1 RASQX₁X₂X₃X₄GX₅LX₆ (SEQ ID NO:107), wherein X₁ is selected from thegroup consisting of S and G, X₂ is selected from the group consisting ofV and I, X₃ is selected from the group consisting of S and R, X₄ isselected from the group consisting of S, N and K, X₅ is selected fromthe group consisting of Y and D, and X₆ is selected from the groupconsisting of T and G.

CDR2 X₁ASSX₂X₃X₄ (SEQ ID NO:108), wherein X₁ is selected from the groupconsisting of G and A, X₂ is selected from the group consisting of R andL, X₃ is selected from the group consisting of A and Q, and X₄ isselected from the group consisting of T and S.

CDR3 X₁QYX₂X₃X₄X₅X₆X₇ (SEQ ID NO:109), wherein X₁ is selected from thegroup consisting of Q and L, X₂ is selected from the group consisting ofG and N, X₃ is selected from the group consisting of N and T, X₄ isselected from the group consisting of S, Y and F, X₅ is selected fromthe group consisting of L and P, X₆ is selected from the groupconsisting of C, W and S, and X₇ is selected from the group consistingof R and T.

K3 Consensus

CDR1 KSSQSLLHSX₁GX₂X₃YLY (SEQ ID NO:110), wherein X₁ is selected fromthe group consisting of D and A, X₂ is selected from the groupconsisting of R and K, and X₃ is selected from the group consisting of Nand T.

K2,3 Consensus

CDR1 X₁SSQSLLHSX₂GX₃X₄YLX₅ (SEQ ID NO:111), wherein X₁ is selected fromthe group consisting of R and K, X₂ is selected from the groupconsisting of F, D and A, X₃ is selected from the group consisting of Y,R and K, X₄ is selected from the group consisting of N and T, and X₅ isselected from the group consisting of D and Y.

CDR2 X₁X₂SNRX₃S (SEQ ID NO:112), wherein X₁ is selected from the groupconsisting of L and E, X₂ is selected from the group consisting of G andV, and X₃ is selected from the group consisting of A and F.

CDR3 MQX₁X₂X₃X₄PX₅T (SEQ ID NO:113), wherein X₁ is selected from thegroup consisting of A and S, X₂ is selected from the group consisting ofL and F, X₃ is selected from the group consisting of Q and P, X₄ isselected from the group consisting of T and L, and X₅ is selected fromthe group consisting of F and L.

Lm3 Consensus

CDR2 RX₁NQRPS (SEQ ID NO:114), wherein X₁ is selected from the groupconsisting of N and S.

Lm1,2,3 Consensus

CDR1 SGSSSNIGX₁NX₂VX₃ (SEQ ID NO:115), wherein X₁ is selected from thegroup consisting of N and S, X₂ is selected from the group consisting ofY and T, and X₃ is selected from the group consisting of S, N and Y.

CDR2 X₁X₂NX₃RPS (SEQ ID NO:116), wherein X₁ is selected from the groupconsisting of D, T and R, X₂ is selected from the group consisting of Nand S, and X₃ is selected from the group consisting of K and Q.

CDR3 X₁X₂X₃DX₄X₅LX₆X₇VV (SEQ ID NO:117), wherein X₁ is selected from thegroup consisting of G and A, X₂ is selected from the group consisting ofT and A, X₃ is selected from the group consisting of W and R, X₄ isselected from the group consisting of S and D, X₅ is selected from thegroup consisting of R and S, X₆ is selected from the group consisting ofS and N, and X₇ is selected from the group consisting of A and G.

LmAll Consensus

CDR1 X₁GX₂X₃SX₄X₅X₆X₇X₈X₉X₁₀X₁₁ (SEQ ID NO:118), wherein X₁ is selectedfrom the group consisting of S and Q, X₂ is present or absent, and ifpresent, is S, X₃ is selected from the group consisting of S and D, X₄is present or absent, and if present, is N, X₅ is selected from thegroup consisting of I and L, X₆ is selected from the group consisting ofG and R, X₇ is selected from the group consisting of N and S, X₈ isselected from the group consisting of N and F, X₉ is selected from thegroup consisting of Y and T, X₁₀ is selected from the group consistingof V and A, and X₁₁ is selected from the group consisting of S, N and Y.

CDR2 X₁X₂NX₃RPS (SEQ ID NO:119), wherein X₁ is selected from the groupconsisting of D, G, T, and R, X₂ is selected from the group consistingof N, K and S, and X₃ is selected from the group consisting of K, N andQ.

CDR3 X₁X₂X₃DX₄X₅X₆X₇X₈X₉V (SEQ ID NO:120), wherein X₁ is selected fromthe group consisting of G, N and A, X₂ is selected from the groupconsisting of T, S and A, X₃ is selected from the group consisting of Wand R, X₄ is selected from the group consisting of S and D, X₅ isselected from the group consisting of R and S, X₆ is selected from thegroup consisting of L and V, X₇ is selected from the group consisting ofS, Y and N, X₈ is selected from the group consisting of A, H and G, andX₉ is selected from the group consisting of V and L.

HC1 Consensus

CDR1 X₁YYMX₂ (SEQ ID NO:121), wherein X₁ is selected from the groupconsisting of G and D, X₂ is selected from the group consisting of H andY.

CDR2 WIX₁PNSGGTNYAQKFQG (SEQ ID NO:122), wherein X₁ is selected from thegroup consisting of N and S.

CDR3 X₁X₂X₃SX₄X₅X₆X₇X₈GX₉X₁₀X₁₁X₁₂YYX₁₃GMDV (SEQ ID NO:123), wherein X₁is selected from the group consisting of D and G, X₂ is selected fromthe group consisting of Q and G, X₃ is selected from the groupconsisting of M and Y, X₄ is selected from the group consisting of I andG, X₅ is selected from the group consisting of I and Y, X₆ is selectedfrom the group consisting of M and A, X₇ is present or absent, and ifpresent, is L, X₈ is present or absent, and if present, is R, X₉ isselected from the group consisting of V and L, X₁₀ is selected from thegroup consisting of F and Y, X₁₁ is selected from the group consistingof P and S, X₁₂ is selected from the group consisting of P and H, andX₁₃ is present or absent, and if present, is Y.

HC2 Consensus

CDR2 RIKSX₁TDGGTTDYX₂APVKG (SEQ ID NO:124), wherein X₁ is selected fromthe group consisting of K and T, and X₂ is selected from the groupconsisting of T and A.

HC3 Consensus

CDR1 X₁YX₂MX₃ (SEQ ID NO:125), wherein X₁ is selected from the groupconsisting of T and S, X₂ is selected from the group consisting of S andA, and X₃ is selected from the group consisting of N and S.

CDR2 X₁ISX₂SX₃X₄X₅X₆YYADSVKG (SEQ ID NO:126), wherein X₁ is selectedfrom the group consisting of S and A, X₂ is selected from the groupconsisting of S and G, X₃ is selected from the group consisting of S andG, X₄ is selected from the group consisting of S and G, X₅ is selectedfrom the group consisting of Y and R, and X₆ is selected from the groupconsisting of R and T.

CDR3 X₁X₂X₃X₄X₅X₆X₇PYSX₈X₉WYDYYYGMDV (SEQ ID NO:127), wherein X₁ isselected from the group consisting of E and D, X₂ is selected from thegroup consisting of G and Q, X₃ is selected from the group consisting ofV and R, X₄ is selected from the group consisting of S and E, X₅ isselected from the group consisting of G and V, X₆ is selected from thegroup consisting of S and G, X₇ is present or absent, and if present, isS, X₈ is selected from the group consisting of I and S, and X₉ isselected from the group consisting of S and G.

HC4 Consensus

CDR1 SX₁GMH (SEQ ID NO:128), wherein X₁ is selected from the groupconsisting of F and Y.

CDR2 VISX₁DGSX₂KYX₃X₄DSVKG (SEQ ID NO:129), wherein X₁ is selected fromthe group consisting of F and Y, X₂ is selected from the groupconsisting of I and H, X₃ is selected from the group consisting of S andY, and X₄ is selected from the group consisting of V and A.

CDR3 X₁RX₂X₃X₄X₅X₆SX₇X₈YYX₉X₁₀X₁₁YYGX₁₂X₁₃V (SEQ ID NO:130), wherein X₁is selected from the group consisting of D and E, X₂ is selected fromthe group consisting of L and K, X₃ is selected from the groupconsisting of N and R, X₄ is selected from the group consisting of Y andV, X₅ is selected from the group consisting of Y and T, X₆ is selectedfrom the group consisting of D and M, X₇ is selected from the groupconsisting of S and T, X₈ is selected from the group consisting of G andL, X₉ is selected from the group consisting of H and Y, X₁₀ is presentor absent, and if present, is Y, X₁₁ is selected from the groupconsisting of K and F, X₁₂ is selected from the group consisting of Mand L, and X₁₃ is selected from the group consisting of A and D.

HCA Consensus

CDR1 X₁X₂X₃MX₄ (SEQ ID NO:131), wherein X₁ is selected from the groupconsisting of N and S, X₂ is selected from the group consisting of A, Yand F, X₃ is selected from the group consisting of W, A and G, and X₄ isselected from the group consisting of S and H.

CDR2 X₁IX₂X₃X₄X₅X₆GX₇X₈X₉X₁₀X₁₁X₁₂X₁₃X₁₄VKG (SEQ ID NO:132), wherein X₁is selected from the group consisting of R, A and V, X₂ is selected fromthe group consisting of K, S and W, X₃ is selected from the groupconsisting of S, G, F and Y, X₄ is present or absent, and if present, isselected from the group consisting of K and T, X₅ is present or absent,and if present, is T, X₆ is selected from the group consisting of D andS, X₇ is selected from the group consisting of G and S, X₈ is selectedfrom the group consisting of T, R, I, N and H, X₉ is selected from thegroup consisting of T and K, X₁₀ is selected from the group consistingof D and Y, X₁₁ is selected from the group consisting of Y and S, X₁₂ isselected from the group consisting of T, A and V, X₁₃ is selected fromthe group consisting of A and D, and X₁₄ is selected from the groupconsisting of P and S.

CDR3 X₁X₂X₃X₄X₅X₆X₇X₈X₉X₁₀X₁₁X₁₂X₁₃X₁₄X₁₅X₁₆X₁₇GX₁₈X₁₉V (SEQ ID NO:133),wherein X₁ is selected from the group consisting of D, A and E, X₂ isselected from the group consisting of R, Q and G, X₃ is selected fromthe group consisting of T, R, L, G and K, X₄ is selected from the groupconsisting of G, E, N, I and R, X₅ is selected from the group consistingof Y, V and A, X₆ is selected from the group consisting of S, G, Y, Aand T, X₇ is selected from the group consisting of I, P, D, A and M, X₈is present or absent, and if present, is selected from the groupconsisting of S and Y, X₉ is present or absent, and if present, isselected from the group consisting of W, S and T, X₁₀ is selected fromthe group consisting of S, G and L, X₁₁ is selected from the groupconsisting of S, G, L and Y, X₁₂ is present or absent, and if present,is selected from the group consisting of W and Y, X₁₃ is selected fromthe group consisting of Y and H, X₁₄ is present or absent, and ifpresent, is selected from the group consisting of Y and D, X₁₅ isselected from the group consisting of Y, K and F, X₁₆ is present orabsent, and if present, is Y, X₁₇ is present or absent, and if present,is Y, X₁₈ is selected from the group consisting of M and L, and X₁₉ isselected from the group consisting of D and A.

HCB Consensus

CDR1 X₁X₂X₃X₄X₅ (SEQ ID NO:134), wherein X₁ is selected from the groupconsisting of N, G, D, S and A, X₂ is selected from the group consistingof A, F and Y, X₃ is selected from the group consisting of W, Y, A andG, X₄ is selected from the group consisting of M and L, and X₅ isselected from the group consisting of S and H.

CDR2 X₁IX₂X₃X₄X₅X₆X₇X₈X₉X₁₀X₁₁X₁₂X₁₃X₁₄X₁₅X₁₆X₁₇G (SEQ ID NO:135),wherein X₁ is selected from the group consisting of R, W, A, V, S and F,X₂ is selected from the group consisting of K, N, S, W and R, X₃ isselected from the group consisting of S, P, G, F and Y, X₄ is present orabsent, and if present, is selected from the group consisting of K, Tand R, X₅ is present or absent, and if present, is selected from thegroup consisting of T and A, X₆ is selected from the group consisting ofD, N, H, S and Y, X₇ is selected from the group consisting of G and S,X₈ is selected from the group consisting of G and S, X₉ is selected fromthe group consisting of T, G, R, I, N, H and Y, X₁₀ is selected from thegroup consisting of T, K, R and P, X₁₁ is selected from the groupconsisting of D, N, Y and E, X₁₂ is selected from the group consistingof Y and S, X₁₃ is selected from the group consisting of T, A and V, X₁₄is selected from the group consisting of A, Q and D, X₁₅ is selectedfrom the group consisting of P, K and S, X₁₆ is selected from the groupconsisting of V and F, and X₁₇ is selected from the group consisting ofK and Q.

CDR3 X₁X₂X₃X₄X₅SX₆X₇X₈X₉X₁₀X₁₁X₁₂X₁₃X₁₄X₁₅X₁₆GX₁₇X₁₈V (SEQ ID NO:136),wherein X₁ is selected from the group consisting of D, G, A and E, X₂ isselected from the group consisting of R, G and Q, X₃ is selected fromthe group consisting of T, M, Y, R, L, G and K, X₄ is selected from thegroup consisting of G, S, E, N, I and R, X₅ is selected from the groupconsisting of Y, I, G, V and A, X₆ is selected from the group consistingof S, I, Y, G, A and T, X₇ is selected from the group consisting of I,M, A, P and D, X₈ is present or absent, and if present, is selected fromthe group consisting of S, L and Y, X₉ is present or absent, and ifpresent, is selected from the group consisting of W, R, S and T, X₁₀ isselected from the group consisting of S, G and L, X₁₁ is selected fromthe group consisting of S, V, L, G and Y, X₁₂ is present or absent, andif present, is selected from the group consisting of F, Y and W, X₁₃ isselected from the group consisting of Y, P, S and H, X₁₄ is present orabsent, and if present, is selected from the group consisting of Y, P, Dand H, X₁₅ is selected from the group consisting of Y, K and F, X₁₆ ispresent or absent, and if present, is Y, X₁₇ is present or absent, andif present, is Y and X₁₈ is selected from the group consisting of M andL.

In any of the above-mentioned consensus sequence defined embodiments,the isolated antigen-binding protein may be, for example, an AVIMERpolypeptide, a monoclonal antibody, a polyclonal antibody, a recombinantantibody, a human (e.g., fully human) antibody, a humanized antibody, achimeric antibody, a multi-specific antibody, or an antigen bindingfragment thereof. Further, the antibody fragment of the isolatedantigen-binding proteins may be a Fab fragment, and Fab′ fragment, anF(ab′)₂ fragment, an Fv fragment, a diabody, or a single chain antibodymolecule. For example, the isolated antigen binding protein may be ahuman monoclonal antibody, and may be, e.g., an IgG1-, IgG2-, IgG3-, orIgG4-type antibody. Further, the isolated antigen binding proteins maybe neutralizing antigen binding proteins.

In any of the above-mentioned consensus sequence defined embodiments,the isolated antigen-binding protein may specifically bind to both humanCRLR and human RAMP1 and not specifically bind to AM1, AM2 or a humanamylin receptor (e.g., AMY1), for example, the isolated antigen bindingprotein may specifically bind to human CGRP R with a K_(D)≦1 μM, ≦100nM, ≦10 nM, or ≦5 nM, e.g., as determined using a FACS binding assay andanalyzed, for example, using methods described in Rathanaswami, et al.,Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications 334 (2005)1004-1013. In any of the above-mentioned consensus sequence definedembodiments, the isolated antigen-binding protein may selectivelyinhibit human CGRP R, relative to the human the AM1, AM2 or AMY1receptors, e.g., with a selectivity ratio of 100 or more, 250 or more,500 or more, 750 or more, 1,000 or more, 2,500 or more, 5,000 or more or10,000 or more, where the degree of selective inhibition may bedetermined using any suitable method, e.g., using a cAMP assay asdescribed in the Examples herein. In any of the above-mentionedconsensus sequence defined embodiments, the isolated antigen-bindingprotein may have a Ki of ≦100 nM, ≦10 nM, ≦1 nM, ≦0.5 nM or ≦0.1 nM in aCGRP binding competition assay, e.g., in a radiolabeled ¹²⁵I-CGRPbinding competition assay to membranes from cells expressing human CGRPR, e.g., the assay described in Example 5 herein.

Some of the isolated antigen-binding proteins described comprise a heavychain variable region (V_(H)) sequence that has at least 80%, 85%, and90% or 95% sequence identity with an amino acid sequence selected fromthe group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:158-170. Some of the isolatedantigen-binding proteins described comprise a light chain variableregion (V_(L)) sequence that has at least 80%, 85%, and 90% or 95%sequence identity with an amino acid sequence selected from the groupconsisting of SEQ ID NOs:137-153. Some of the isolated antigen-bindingproteins described comprise a V_(H) sequence that has at least 80%, 85%,90% or 95% sequence identity with an amino acid sequence selected fromthe group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:158-170, and a V_(L) that has atleast 80%, 85%, 90% or 95% sequence identity with an amino acid sequenceselected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:137-153. In someembodiments, the isolated antigen-binding proteins comprise (A) a heavychain variable region (V_(H)) comprising a sequence (i) selected fromthe group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:158-170, or (ii) as defined by (i)and containing one or more (e.g., five, ten, fifteen or twenty) aminoacid substitutions (e.g., conservative amino acid substitutions),deletions or insertions; (B) a V_(L) comprising a sequence (iii)selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:137-153, or (iv) asdefined by (iii) containing one or more (e.g., five, ten, fifteen ortwenty) amino acid substitutions (e.g., conservative amino acidsubstitutions), deletions or insertions; or (C) a V_(H) of (A) and aV_(L) of (B). In some embodiments, the isolated antigen-binding proteinscomprise a heavy chain variable region (V_(H)) comprising a sequenceselected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:158-170 and a V_(L)comprising a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ IDNOs:137-153.

In one embodiment, the isolated antigen-binding protein comprises aheavy chain variable region (V_(H)) comprising an amino acid sequenceselected from the group consisting of (i) SEQ ID NO:158, (ii) a sequencethat is at least 90% or 95% identical to the sequence defined by (i),and (iii) a sequence as defined by (i) containing up to ten amino acidsubstitutions (e.g., conservative amino acid substitutions), deletionsor insertions. In another embodiment, the isolated antigen-bindingprotein comprises a V_(H) comprising an amino acid sequence selectedfrom the group consisting of (i) SEQ ID NO:159, (ii) a sequence that isat least 90% or 95% identical to the sequence defined by (i), and (iii)a sequence as defined by (i) containing up to ten amino acidsubstitutions (e.g., conservative amino acid substitutions), deletionsor insertions. In another embodiment, the isolated antigen-bindingprotein comprises a V_(H) comprising an amino acid sequence selectedfrom the group consisting of (i) SEQ ID NO:160, (ii) a sequence that isat least 90% or 95% identical to the sequence defined by (i), and (iii)a sequence as defined by (i) containing up to ten amino acidsubstitutions (e.g., conservative amino acid substitutions), deletionsor insertions. In another embodiment, the isolated antigen-bindingprotein comprises a V_(H) comprising an amino acid sequence selectedfrom the group consisting of (i) SEQ ID NO:161, (ii) a sequence that isat least 90% or 95% identical to the sequence defined by (i), and (iii)a sequence as defined by (i) containing up to ten amino acidsubstitutions (e.g., conservative amino acid substitutions), deletionsor insertions. In another embodiment, the isolated antigen-bindingprotein comprises a V_(H) comprising an amino acid sequence selectedfrom the group consisting of (i) SEQ ID NO:162, (ii) a sequence that isat least 90% or 95% identical to the sequence defined by (i), and (iii)a sequence as defined by (i) containing up to ten amino acidsubstitutions (e.g., conservative amino acid substitutions), deletionsor insertions. In another embodiment, the isolated antigen-bindingprotein comprises a V_(H) comprising an amino acid sequence selectedfrom the group consisting of (i) SEQ ID NO:163, (ii) a sequence that isat least 90% or 95% identical to the sequence defined by (i), and (iii)a sequence as defined by (i) containing up to ten amino acidsubstitutions (e.g., conservative amino acid substitutions), deletionsor insertions. In another embodiment, the isolated antigen-bindingprotein comprises a V_(H) comprising an amino acid sequence selectedfrom the group consisting of (i) SEQ ID NO:164, (ii) a sequence that isat least 90% or 95% identical to the sequence defined by (i), and (iii)a sequence as defined by (i) containing up to ten amino acidsubstitutions (e.g., conservative amino acid substitutions), deletionsor insertions. In another embodiment, the isolated antigen-bindingprotein comprises a V_(H) comprising an amino acid sequence selectedfrom the group consisting of (i) SEQ ID NO:165, (ii) a sequence that isat least 90% or 95% identical to the sequence defined by (i), and (iii)a sequence as defined by (i) containing up to ten amino acidsubstitutions (e.g., conservative amino acid substitutions), deletionsor insertions. In another embodiment, the isolated antigen-bindingprotein comprises a V_(H) comprising an amino acid sequence selectedfrom the group consisting of (i) SEQ ID NO:166, (ii) a sequence that isat least 90% or 95% identical to the sequence defined by (i), and (iii)a sequence as defined by (i) containing up to ten amino acidsubstitutions (e.g., conservative amino acid substitutions), deletionsor insertions. In another embodiment, the isolated antigen-bindingprotein comprises a V_(H) comprising an amino acid sequence selectedfrom the group consisting of (i) SEQ ID NO:167, (ii) a sequence that isat least 90% or 95% identical to the sequence defined by (i), and (iii)a sequence as defined by (i) containing up to ten amino acidsubstitutions (e.g., conservative amino acid substitutions), deletionsor insertions. In another embodiment, the isolated antigen-bindingprotein comprises a V_(H) comprising an amino acid sequence selectedfrom the group consisting of (i) SEQ ID NO:168, (ii) a sequence that isat least 90% or 95% identical to the sequence defined by (i), and (iii)a sequence as defined by (i) containing up to ten amino acidsubstitutions (e.g., conservative amino acid substitutions), deletionsor insertions. In another embodiment, the isolated antigen-bindingprotein comprises a V_(H) comprising an amino acid sequence selectedfrom the group consisting of (i) SEQ ID NO:169, (ii) a sequence that isat least 90% or 95% identical to the sequence defined by (i), and (iii)a sequence as defined by (i) containing up to ten amino acidsubstitutions (e.g., conservative amino acid substitutions), deletionsor insertions. In another embodiment, the isolated antigen-bindingprotein comprises a V_(H) comprising an amino acid sequence selectedfrom the group consisting of (i) SEQ ID NO:170, (ii) a sequence that isat least 90% or 95% identical to the sequence defined by (i), and (iii)a sequence as defined by (i) containing up to ten amino acidsubstitutions (e.g., conservative amino acid substitutions), deletionsor insertions.

In one embodiment, the isolated antigen-binding protein comprises alight chain variable region (V_(L)) comprising an amino acid sequenceselected from the group consisting of (i) SEQ ID NO:137, (ii) a sequencethat is at least 90% or 95% identical to the sequence defined by (i),and (iii) a sequence as defined by (i) containing up to ten amino acidsubstitutions (e.g., conservative amino acid substitutions), deletionsor insertions. In another embodiment, the isolated antigen-bindingprotein comprises a V_(L) comprising an amino acid sequence selectedfrom the group consisting of (i) SEQ ID NO:138, (ii) a sequence that isat least 90% or 95% identical to the sequence defined by (i), and (iii)a sequence as defined by (i) containing up to ten amino acidsubstitutions (e.g., conservative amino acid substitutions), deletionsor insertions. In another embodiment, the isolated antigen-bindingprotein comprises a V_(L) comprising an amino acid sequence selectedfrom the group consisting of (i) SEQ ID NO:139, (ii) a sequence that isat least 90% or 95% identical to the sequence defined by (i), and (iii)a sequence as defined by (i) containing up to ten amino acidsubstitutions (e.g., conservative amino acid substitutions), deletionsor insertions. In another embodiment, the isolated antigen-bindingprotein comprises a V_(L) comprising an amino acid sequence selectedfrom the group consisting of (i) SEQ ID NO:140, (ii) a sequence that isat least 90% or 95% identical to the sequence defined by (i), and (iii)a sequence as defined by (i) containing up to ten amino acidsubstitutions (e.g., conservative amino acid substitutions), deletionsor insertions. In another embodiment, the isolated antigen-bindingprotein comprises a V_(L) comprising an amino acid sequence selectedfrom the group consisting of (i) SEQ ID NO:141, (ii) a sequence that isat least 90% or 95% identical to the sequence defined by (i), and (iii)a sequence as defined by (i) containing up to ten amino acidsubstitutions (e.g., conservative amino acid substitutions), deletionsor insertions. In another embodiment, the isolated antigen-bindingprotein comprises a V_(L) comprising an amino acid sequence selectedfrom the group consisting of (i) SEQ ID NO:142, (ii) a sequence that isat least 90% or 95% identical to the sequence defined by (i), and (iii)a sequence as defined by (i) containing up to ten amino acidsubstitutions (e.g., conservative amino acid substitutions), deletionsor insertions. In another embodiment, the isolated antigen-bindingprotein comprises a V_(L) comprising an amino acid sequence selectedfrom the group consisting of (i) SEQ ID NO:143, (ii) a sequence that isat least 90% or 95% identical to the sequence defined by (i), and (iii)a sequence as defined by (i) containing up to ten amino acidsubstitutions (e.g., conservative amino acid substitutions), deletionsor insertions. In another embodiment, the isolated antigen-bindingprotein comprises a V_(L) comprising an amino acid sequence selectedfrom the group consisting of (i) SEQ ID NO:144, (ii) a sequence that isat least 90% or 95% identical to the sequence defined by (i), and (iii)a sequence as defined by (i) containing up to ten amino acidsubstitutions (e.g., conservative amino acid substitutions), deletionsor insertions. In another embodiment, the isolated antigen-bindingprotein comprises a V_(L) comprising an amino acid sequence selectedfrom the group consisting of (i) SEQ ID NO:145, (ii) a sequence that isat least 90% or 95% identical to the sequence defined by (i), and (iii)a sequence as defined by (i) containing up to ten amino acidsubstitutions (e.g., conservative amino acid substitutions), deletionsor insertions. In another embodiment, the isolated antigen-bindingprotein comprises a V_(L) comprising an amino acid sequence selectedfrom the group consisting of (i) SEQ ID NO:146, (ii) a sequence that isat least 90% or 95% identical to the sequence defined by (i), and (iii)a sequence as defined by (i) containing up to ten amino acidsubstitutions (e.g., conservative amino acid substitutions), deletionsor insertions. In another embodiment, the isolated antigen-bindingprotein comprises a V_(L) comprising an amino acid sequence selectedfrom the group consisting of (i) SEQ ID NO:147, (ii) a sequence that isat least 90% or 95% identical to the sequence defined by (i), and (iii)a sequence as defined by (i) containing up to ten amino acidsubstitutions (e.g., conservative amino acid substitutions), deletionsor insertions. In another embodiment, the isolated antigen-bindingprotein comprises a V_(L) comprising an amino acid sequence selectedfrom the group consisting of (i) SEQ ID NO:148, (ii) a sequence that isat least 90% or 95% identical to the sequence defined by (i), and (iii)a sequence as defined by (i) containing up to ten amino acidsubstitutions (e.g., conservative amino acid substitutions), deletionsor insertions. In another embodiment, the isolated antigen-bindingprotein comprises a V_(L) comprising an amino acid sequence selectedfrom the group consisting of (i) SEQ ID NO:149, (ii) a sequence that isat least 90% or 95% identical to the sequence defined by (i), and (iii)a sequence as defined by (i) containing up to ten amino acidsubstitutions (e.g., conservative amino acid substitutions), deletionsor insertions. In another embodiment, the isolated antigen-bindingprotein comprises a V_(L) comprising an amino acid sequence selectedfrom the group consisting of (i) SEQ ID NO:150, (ii) a sequence that isat least 90% or 95% identical to the sequence defined by (i), and (iii)a sequence as defined by (i) containing up to ten amino acidsubstitutions (e.g., conservative amino acid substitutions), deletionsor insertions. In another embodiment, the isolated antigen-bindingprotein comprises a V_(L) comprising an amino acid sequence selectedfrom the group consisting of (i) SEQ ID NO:151, (ii) a sequence that isat least 90% or 95% identical to the sequence defined by (i), and (iii)a sequence as defined by (i) containing up to ten amino acidsubstitutions (e.g., conservative amino acid substitutions), deletionsor insertions. In another embodiment, the isolated antigen-bindingprotein comprises a V_(L) comprising an amino acid sequence selectedfrom the group consisting of (i) SEQ ID NO:152, (ii) a sequence that isat least 90% or 95% identical to the sequence defined by (i), and (iii)a sequence as defined by (i) containing up to ten amino acidsubstitutions (e.g., conservative amino acid substitutions), deletionsor insertions. In another embodiment, the isolated antigen-bindingprotein comprises a V_(L) comprising an amino acid sequence selectedfrom the group consisting of (i) SEQ ID NO:153, (ii) a sequence that isat least 90% or 95% identical to the sequence defined by (i), and (iii)a sequence as defined by (i) containing up to ten amino acidsubstitutions (e.g., conservative amino acid substitutions), deletionsor insertions.

In any of the above-mentioned V_(L) and V_(H) sequence definedembodiments, the isolated antigen-binding protein may be, for example, amonoclonal antibody, a polyclonal antibody, a recombinant antibody, ahuman (e.g., fully human) antibody, a humanized antibody, a chimericantibody, a multi-specific antibody, or an antigen binding fragmentthereof. Further, the antibody fragment of the isolated antigen-bindingproteins may be a Fab fragment, and Fab′ fragment, an F(ab′)₂ fragment,an Fv fragment, a diabody, or a single chain antibody molecule. Forexample, the isolated antigen binding protein may be a human monoclonalantibody, and may be, e.g., an IgG1-, IgG2-, IgG3-, or IgG4-typeantibody. Further, the isolated antigen binding proteins may beneutralizing antigen binding proteins.

In any of the above-mentioned V_(L) and V_(H) sequence definedembodiments, the isolated antigen-binding protein may specifically bindto both human CRLR and human RAMP1 and not specifically bind to AM1, AM2or a human amylin receptor (e.g., AMY1), for example, the isolatedantigen binding protein may specifically bind to human CGRP R with aK_(D)≦1 μM, ≦100 nM, ≦10 nM, or ≦5 nM, e.g., as determined using a FACSbinding assay and analyzed, for example, using methods described inRathanaswami, et al., Biochemical and Biophysical ResearchCommunications 334 (2005) 1004-1013. In any of the above-mentioned V_(L)and V_(H) sequence defined embodiments, the isolated antigen-bindingprotein may selectively inhibit human CGRP R, relative to the human theAM1, AM2 or AMY1 receptors, e.g., with a selectivity ratio of 100 ormore, 250 or more, 500 or more, 750 or more, 1,000 or more, 2,500 ormore, 5,000 or more or 10,000 or more, where the degree of selectiveinhibition may be determined using any suitable method, e.g., using acAMP assay as described in the Examples herein. In any of theabove-mentioned V_(L) and V_(H) sequence-defined embodiments, theisolated antigen-binding protein may have a Ki of ≦100 nM, ≦10 nM, ≦1nM, ≦0.5 nM or ≦0.1 nM in a CGRP binding competition assay, e.g., in aradiolabeled ¹²⁵I-CGRP binding competition assay to membranes from cellsexpressing human CGRP R, e.g., the assay described in Example 5 herein.

In one aspect, the isolated antigen-binding proteins comprise a heavychain sequence that has at least 80%, 85%, 90% or 95% sequence identitywith an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ IDNOs:29-41. Some of the isolated antigen-binding proteins describedcomprise a light chain sequence that has at least 80%, 85%, 90% or 95%sequence identity with an amino acid sequence selected from the groupconsisting of SEQ ID NOs:12-28. Some of the isolated antigen-bindingproteins comprise a heavy chain sequence that has at least 80%, 85%, 90%or 95% sequence identity with an amino acid sequence selected from thegroup consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 29-41, and a light chain sequence thathas at least 80%, 85%, 90% or 95% sequence identity with an amino acidsequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 12-28. Insome embodiments, the isolated antigen-binding proteins comprise (A) aheavy chain comprising a sequence (i) selected from the group consistingof SEQ ID NOs: 29-41, or (ii) as defined by (i) and containing one ormore (e.g., five, ten, fifteen or twenty) amino acid substitutions(e.g., conservative amino acid substitutions), deletions or insertions;(B) a light chain comprising a sequence (iii) selected from the groupconsisting of SEQ ID NOs: 12-28, or (iv) as defined by (iii) containingone or more (e.g., five, ten, fifteen or twenty) amino acidsubstitutions (e.g., conservative amino acid substitutions), deletionsor insertions; or (C) a heavy chain of (A) and a light chain of (B). Insome embodiments, the isolated antigen-binding proteins comprise a heavychain comprising a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ IDNOs: 29-41 and a light chain comprising a sequence selected from thegroup consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 12-28.

In one embodiment, the isolated antigen-binding protein comprises (A) aheavy chain comprising an amino acid sequence selected from the groupconsisting of (i) SEQ ID NO:29, (ii) a sequence that is at least 90% or95% identical to the sequence defined by (i), and (iii) a sequence asdefined by (i) containing up to ten amino acid substitutions (e.g.,conservative amino acid substitutions), deletions or insertions; and (B)a light chain comprising an amino acid sequence selected from the groupconsisting of (i) SEQ ID NO:12, (ii) a sequence that is at least 90% or95% identical to the sequence defined by (i), and (iii) a sequence asdefined by (i) containing up to ten amino acid substitutions (e.g.,conservative amino acid substitutions), deletions or insertions.

In another embodiment, the isolated antigen-binding protein comprises(A) a heavy chain comprising an amino acid sequence selected from thegroup consisting of (i) SEQ ID NO:30, (ii) a sequence that is at least90% or 95% identical to the sequence defined by (i), and (iii) asequence as defined by (i) containing up to ten amino acid substitutions(e.g., conservative amino acid substitutions), deletions or insertions;and (B) a light chain comprising an amino acid sequence selected fromthe group consisting of (i) SEQ ID NO:13, (ii) a sequence that is atleast 90% or 95% identical to the sequence defined by (i), and (iii) asequence as defined by (i) containing up to ten amino acid substitutions(e.g., conservative amino acid substitutions), deletions or insertions.

In another embodiment, the isolated antigen-binding protein comprises(A) a heavy chain comprising an amino acid sequence selected from thegroup consisting of (i) SEQ ID NO:31, (ii) a sequence that is at least90% or 95% identical to the sequence defined by (i), and (iii) asequence as defined by (i) containing up to ten amino acid substitutions(e.g., conservative amino acid substitutions), deletions or insertions;and (B) a light chain comprising an amino acid sequence selected fromthe group consisting of (i) SEQ ID NO:14, (ii) a sequence that is atleast 90% or 95% identical to the sequence defined by (i), and (iii) asequence as defined by (i) containing up to ten amino acid substitutions(e.g., conservative amino acid substitutions), deletions or insertions.

In another embodiment, the isolated antigen-binding protein comprises(A) a heavy chain comprising an amino acid sequence selected from thegroup consisting of (i) SEQ ID NO:32, (ii) a sequence that is at least90% or 95% identical to the sequence defined by (i), and (iii) asequence as defined by (i) containing up to ten amino acid substitutions(e.g., conservative amino acid substitutions), deletions or insertions;and (B) a light chain comprising an amino acid sequence selected fromthe group consisting of (i) SEQ ID NO:15, (ii) a sequence that is atleast 90% or 95% identical to the sequence defined by (i), and (iii) asequence as defined by (i) containing up to ten amino acid substitutions(e.g., conservative amino acid substitutions), deletions or insertions.

In another embodiment, the isolated antigen-binding protein comprises(A) a heavy chain comprising an amino acid sequence selected from thegroup consisting of (i) SEQ ID NO:33, (ii) a sequence that is at least90% or 95% identical to the sequence defined by (i), and (iii) asequence as defined by (i) containing up to ten amino acid substitutions(e.g., conservative amino acid substitutions), deletions or insertions;and (B) a light chain comprising an amino acid sequence selected fromthe group consisting of (i) SEQ ID NO:16, (ii) a sequence that is atleast 90% or 95% identical to the sequence defined by (i), and (iii) asequence as defined by (i) containing up to ten amino acid substitutions(e.g., conservative amino acid substitutions), deletions or insertions.

In another embodiment, the isolated antigen-binding protein comprises(A) a heavy chain comprising an amino acid sequence selected from thegroup consisting of (i) SEQ ID NO:29, (ii) a sequence that is at least90% or 95% identical to the sequence defined by (i), and (iii) asequence as defined by (i) containing up to ten amino acid substitutions(e.g., conservative amino acid substitutions), deletions or insertions;and (B) a light chain comprising an amino acid sequence selected fromthe group consisting of (i) SEQ ID NO:17, (ii) a sequence that is atleast 90% or 95% identical to the sequence defined by (i), and (iii) asequence as defined by (i) containing up to ten amino acid substitutions(e.g., conservative amino acid substitutions), deletions or insertions.

In another embodiment, the isolated antigen-binding protein comprises(A) a heavy chain comprising an amino acid sequence selected from thegroup consisting of (i) SEQ ID NO:34, (ii) a sequence that is at least90% or 95% identical to the sequence defined by (i), and (iii) asequence as defined by (i) containing up to ten amino acid substitutions(e.g., conservative amino acid substitutions), deletions or insertions;and (B) a light chain comprising an amino acid sequence selected fromthe group consisting of (i) SEQ ID NO:18, (ii) a sequence that is atleast 90% or 95% identical to the sequence defined by (i), and (iii) asequence as defined by (i) containing up to ten amino acid substitutions(e.g., conservative amino acid substitutions), deletions or insertions.

In another embodiment, the isolated antigen-binding protein comprises(A) a heavy chain comprising an amino acid sequence selected from thegroup consisting of (i) SEQ ID NO:33, (ii) a sequence that is at least90% or 95% identical to the sequence defined by (i), and (iii) asequence as defined by (i) containing up to ten amino acid substitutions(e.g., conservative amino acid substitutions), deletions or insertions;and (B) a light chain comprising an amino acid sequence selected fromthe group consisting of (i) SEQ ID NO:19, (ii) a sequence that is atleast 90% or 95% identical to the sequence defined by (i), and (iii) asequence as defined by (i) containing up to ten amino acid substitutions(e.g., conservative amino acid substitutions), deletions or insertions.

In another embodiment, the isolated antigen-binding protein comprises(A) a heavy chain comprising an amino acid sequence selected from thegroup consisting of (i) SEQ ID NO:29, (ii) a sequence that is at least90% or 95% identical to the sequence defined by (i), and (iii) asequence as defined by (i) containing up to ten amino acid substitutions(e.g., conservative amino acid substitutions), deletions or insertions;and (B) a light chain comprising an amino acid sequence selected fromthe group consisting of (i) SEQ ID NO:20, (ii) a sequence that is atleast 90% or 95% identical to the sequence defined by (i), and (iii) asequence as defined by (i) containing up to ten amino acid substitutions(e.g., conservative amino acid substitutions), deletions or insertions.

In another embodiment, the isolated antigen-binding protein comprises(A) a heavy chain comprising an amino acid sequence selected from thegroup consisting of (i) SEQ ID NO:35, (ii) a sequence that is at least90% or 95% identical to the sequence defined by (i), and (iii) asequence as defined by (i) containing up to ten amino acid substitutions(e.g., conservative amino acid substitutions), deletions or insertions;and (B) a light chain comprising an amino acid sequence selected fromthe group consisting of (i) SEQ ID NO:21, (ii) a sequence that is atleast 90% or 95% identical to the sequence defined by (i), and (iii) asequence as defined by (i) containing up to ten amino acid substitutions(e.g., conservative amino acid substitutions), deletions or insertions.

In another embodiment, the isolated antigen-binding protein comprises(A) a heavy chain comprising an amino acid sequence selected from thegroup consisting of (i) SEQ ID NO:36, (ii) a sequence that is at least90% or 95% identical to the sequence defined by (i), and (iii) asequence as defined by (i) containing up to ten amino acid substitutions(e.g., conservative amino acid substitutions), deletions or insertions;and (B) a light chain comprising an amino acid sequence selected fromthe group consisting of (i) SEQ ID NO:22, (ii) a sequence that is atleast 90% or 95% identical to the sequence defined by (i), and (iii) asequence as defined by (i) containing up to ten amino acid substitutions(e.g., conservative amino acid substitutions), deletions or insertions.

In another embodiment, the isolated antigen-binding protein comprises(A) a heavy chain comprising an amino acid sequence selected from thegroup consisting of (i) SEQ ID NO:37, (ii) a sequence that is at least90% or 95% identical to the sequence defined by (i), and (iii) asequence as defined by (i) containing up to ten amino acid substitutions(e.g., conservative amino acid substitutions), deletions or insertions;and (B) a light chain comprising an amino acid sequence selected fromthe group consisting of (i) SEQ ID NO:23, (ii) a sequence that is atleast 90% or 95% identical to the sequence defined by (i), and (iii) asequence as defined by (i) containing up to ten amino acid substitutions(e.g., conservative amino acid substitutions), deletions or insertions.

In another embodiment, the isolated antigen-binding protein comprises(A) a heavy chain comprising an amino acid sequence selected from thegroup consisting of (i) SEQ ID NO:38, (ii) a sequence that is at least90% or 95% identical to the sequence defined by (i), and (iii) asequence as defined by (i) containing up to ten amino acid substitutions(e.g., conservative amino acid substitutions), deletions or insertions;and (B) a light chain comprising an amino acid sequence selected fromthe group consisting of (i) SEQ ID NO:23, (ii) a sequence that is atleast 90% or 95% identical to the sequence defined by (i), and (iii) asequence as defined by (i) containing up to ten amino acid substitutions(e.g., conservative amino acid substitutions), deletions or insertions.

In another embodiment, the isolated antigen-binding protein comprises(A) a heavy chain comprising an amino acid sequence selected from thegroup consisting of (i) SEQ ID NO:33, (ii) a sequence that is at least90% or 95% identical to the sequence defined by (i), and (iii) asequence as defined by (i) containing up to ten amino acid substitutions(e.g., conservative amino acid substitutions), deletions or insertions;and (B) a light chain comprising an amino acid sequence selected fromthe group consisting of (i) SEQ ID NO:24, (ii) a sequence that is atleast 90% or 95% identical to the sequence defined by (i), and (iii) asequence as defined by (i) containing up to ten amino acid substitutions(e.g., conservative amino acid substitutions), deletions or insertions.

In another embodiment, the isolated antigen-binding protein comprises(A) a heavy chain comprising an amino acid sequence selected from thegroup consisting of (i) SEQ ID NO:39, (ii) a sequence that is at least90% or 95% identical to the sequence defined by (i), and (iii) asequence as defined by (i) containing up to ten amino acid substitutions(e.g., conservative amino acid substitutions), deletions or insertions;and (B) a light chain comprising an amino acid sequence selected fromthe group consisting of (i) SEQ ID NO:25, (ii) a sequence that is atleast 90% or 95% identical to the sequence defined by (i), and (iii) asequence as defined by (i) containing up to ten amino acid substitutions(e.g., conservative amino acid substitutions), deletions or insertions.

In another embodiment, the isolated antigen-binding protein comprises(A) a heavy chain comprising an amino acid sequence selected from thegroup consisting of (i) SEQ ID NO:40, (ii) a sequence that is at least90% or 95% identical to the sequence defined by (i), and (iii) asequence as defined by (i) containing up to ten amino acid substitutions(e.g., conservative amino acid substitutions), deletions or insertions;and (B) a light chain comprising an amino acid sequence selected fromthe group consisting of (i) SEQ ID NO:26, (ii) a sequence that is atleast 90% or 95% identical to the sequence defined by (i), and (iii) asequence as defined by (i) containing up to ten amino acid substitutions(e.g., conservative amino acid substitutions), deletions or insertions.

In another embodiment, the isolated antigen-binding protein comprises(A) a heavy chain comprising an amino acid sequence selected from thegroup consisting of (i) SEQ ID NO:41, (ii) a sequence that is at least90% or 95% identical to the sequence defined by (i), and (iii) asequence as defined by (i) containing up to ten amino acid substitutions(e.g., conservative amino acid substitutions), deletions or insertions;and (B) a light chain comprising an amino acid sequence selected fromthe group consisting of (i) SEQ ID NO:27, (ii) a sequence that is atleast 90% or 95% identical to the sequence defined by (i), and (iii) asequence as defined by (i) containing up to ten amino acid substitutions(e.g., conservative amino acid substitutions), deletions or insertions.

In another embodiment, the isolated antigen-binding protein comprises(A) a heavy chain comprising an amino acid sequence selected from thegroup consisting of (i) SEQ ID NO:41, (ii) a sequence that is at least90% or 95% identical to the sequence defined by (i), and (iii) asequence as defined by (i) containing up to ten amino acid substitutions(e.g., conservative amino acid substitutions), deletions or insertions;and (B) a light chain comprising an amino acid sequence selected fromthe group consisting of (i) SEQ ID NO:28, (ii) a sequence that is atleast 90% or 95% identical to the sequence defined by (i), and (iii) asequence as defined by (i) containing up to ten amino acid substitutions(e.g., conservative amino acid substitutions), deletions or insertions.

In any of the above-mentioned light and heavy chain sequence definedembodiments, the isolated antigen-binding protein may comprise thespecified heavy and/or light chain sequence, but with a different signalpeptide or with no signal peptide. In any of the above-mentioned lightand heavy chain sequence defined embodiments, the isolatedantigen-binding protein may be, for example, a monoclonal antibody, apolyclonal antibody, a recombinant antibody, a human (e.g., fully human)antibody, a humanized antibody, a chimeric antibody, a multi-specificantibody, or an antigen binding fragment thereof. Further, the antibodyfragment of the isolated antigen-binding proteins may be a Fab fragment,and Fab′ fragment, an F(ab′)₂ fragment, an Fv fragment, a diabody, or asingle chain antibody molecule. For example, the isolated antigenbinding protein may be a human monoclonal antibody, and may be, e.g., anIgG1-, IgG2-, IgG3-, or IgG4-type antibody. Further, the isolatedantigen binding proteins may be neutralizing antigen binding proteins.

In any of the above-mentioned light and heavy chain sequence definedembodiments, the isolated antigen-binding protein may specifically bindto both human CRLR and human RAMP1 and not specifically bind to AM1, AM2or a human amylin receptor (e.g., AMY1), for example, the isolatedantigen binding protein may specifically bind to human CGRP R with aK_(D)≦1 μM, ≦100 nM, ≦10 nM, or ≦5 nM, e.g., as determined using a FACSbinding assay and analyzed, for example, using methods described inRathanaswami, et al., Biochemical and Biophysical ResearchCommunications 334 (2005) 1004-1013. In any of the above-mentioned lightand heavy chain sequence defined embodiments, the isolatedantigen-binding protein may selectively inhibit human CGRP R, relativeto the human the AM1, AM2 or AMY1 receptors, e.g., with a selectivityratio of 100 or more, 250 or more, 500 or more, 750 or more, 1,000 ormore, 2,500 or more, 5,000 or more or 10,000 or more, where the degreeof selective inhibition may be determined using any suitable method,e.g., using a cAMP assay as described in the Examples herein. In any ofthe above-mentioned light and heavy chain sequence-defined embodiments,the isolated antigen-binding protein may have a Ki of ≦100 nM, ≦10 nM,≦1 nM, ≦0.5 nM or ≦0.1 nM in a CGRP binding competition assay, e.g., ina radiolabeled ¹²⁵I-CGRP binding competition assay to membranes fromcells expressing human CGRP R, e.g., the assay described in Example 5herein.

In a further aspect, also provided are isolated nucleic acidpolynucleotides that encode any of the CGRP R antigen-binding proteinssummarized above. In one embodiment, the isolated polynucleotidecomprises a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ IDNOs:175, 176, 178, 179, 180, 181, 182, 183, 186, 187, 188, 189, 191,192, 193, 194, 195, 196, 197, 200, 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207,208, 209 and 210. In another embodiment, the isolated polynucleotidecomprises a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ IDNOs:224-258. In another embodiment, the isolated polynucleotidecomprises a sequence capable of hybridizing under stringenthybridization conditions with a sequence selected from the groupconsisting of SEQ ID NOs:224-258. In another embodiment, the isolatedpolynucleotide comprises a sequence that is about 80%, 85%, 90% or 95%or more identical to a sequence selected from the group consisting ofSEQ ID NOs:224-258. In some instances, the isolated nucleic acidmolecules are operably-linked to a control sequence. In relatedembodiments, the isolated polynucleotides are incorporated into anexpression vector.

Also included are cell lines transformed with expression vectorscomprising isolated polynucleotides as described above. In a relatedaspect, also provided are expression vectors and host cells transformedor transfected with the expression vectors that comprise theaforementioned isolated nucleic acid molecules that encode CGRP Rantigen-binding proteins described above

In another aspect, also provided is a method of preparing theantigen-binding proteins that includes the step of preparing the antigenbinding protein from a host cell that secretes the antigen-bindingprotein. In some embodiments, the antigen binding protein is generatedusing an immunogen comprising soluble CGRP receptor. In someembodiments, such soluble CGRP receptor is obtained by co-expressing andpurifying an N-terminal extracellular domain (ECD) of human CRLR and anECD of human RAMP1, e.g., an ECD of human CRLR comprising SEQ ID NO: 6and an ECD of RAMP1 comprising SEQ ID NO: 8, for example, as describedin Examples 1 and 2 herein.

In yet another aspect, a pharmaceutical composition is providedcomprising at least one of the antigen-binding proteins summarized aboveand a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient. In one embodiment, thepharmaceutical composition may comprise an additional active agent thatis selected from the group consisting of a radioisotope, radionuclide, atoxin, or a therapeutic and a chemotherapeutic group.

In one aspect, the isolated antigen binding protein is effective toinhibit vasodialation and/or decrease neurogenic inflammation whenadministered to a patient. In one embodiment, the isolated antigenbinding protein is effective to reduce the frequency and/or severity ofheadaches, for example, migraine headaches. For example, the antigenbinding protein may be used as an acute treatment of migraine, and/or asa prophylactic treatment to prevent or reduce the frequency and/orseverity of symptoms, particularly pain symptoms, associated with amigraine attack.

Other aspects further provide methods for treating or preventing acondition associated with CGRP R in a patient, comprising administeringto a patient an effective amount of at least one isolatedantigen-binding protein summarized above. In one embodiment, thecondition is a headache, for example, a migraine headache or a clusterheadache or another type of pain, e.g., a chronic pain; in anotherembodiment it is diabetes mellitus (type II); in another embodiment itis inflammation, particularly neurogenic inflammation; in anotherembodiment it is a cardiovascular disorder; in another embodiment it isa hemodynamic derangement associated with endotoxemia and sepsis; inanother embodiment it is vasodialation.

In another aspect, also provided is a method of inhibiting binding ofCGRP to human CGRP R, e.g., the extracellular portion of CGRP R, in apatient comprising administering an effective amount of at least oneantigen-binding protein provided herein and/or summarized above.

These and other aspects will be described in greater detail herein. Eachof the aspects provided can encompass various embodiments providedherein. It is therefore anticipated that each of the embodimentsinvolving one element or combinations of elements can be included ineach aspect described, and all such combinations of the above aspectsand embodiments are expressly considered. Other features, objects, andadvantages of the invention are apparent in the detailed descriptionthat follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an alignment of RAMP-1 sequences from human (SEQ ID NO:4),cynomolgus monkey (SEQ ID NO:215) and rat (SEQ ID NO:214).

FIG. 2 shows an alignment of CRLR sequences from human (SEQ ID NO:2),cynomolgus monkey (SEQ ID NO221) and rat (SEQ ID NO.220).

FIGS. 3A and 3B show phylogenetically-based sequence alignments of lightchain CDRs from the indicated anti-CGRP receptor antibody clones havingkappa light chains, and certain corresponding consensus sequences.

FIG. 4 shows phylogenetically-based sequence alignments of light chainCDRs from the indicated anti-CGRP receptor antibody clones having lambdalight chains, and certain corresponding consensus sequences.

FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D and 5E show phylogenetically-based sequencealignments of heavy chain CDRs from the indicated anti-CGRP receptorantibody clones, and certain corresponding consensus sequences.

FIG. 5F shows consensus sequences of exemplary anti-CGRP receptorantibody heavy chain CDRs disclosed herein.

FIG. 6 is a plot of data from two experiments showing percent inhibitionof labeled ligand binding to CGRP R by 1092 anti-CGRP R hybridomasupernatants (diamonds) and 68 negative control supernatants (squares).

FIGS. 7A-D show exemplary cAMP assay IC50 data from cells expressinghCGRP receptor (FIG. 7A), hAM1 (FIG. 7B), hAM2 (FIG. 7C) and humanamylin receptors (FIG. 7D) for three indicated anti-CGRP R mAbs.

FIG. 8 shows an example of ¹²⁵I-CGRP binding data such as may be used todetermine the Ki of mAbs to human CGRP receptor.

FIGS. 9A-D show Biacore competition data for selected antibodiesdisclosed herein.

FIG. 10 shows a FACS Kd determination of mAb 12G8.

FIG. 11 shows an alignment of cynomolgus (SEQ ID NO:215), human (SEQ IDNO:4), human chimeras (SEQ ID NOs: 217, 218, and 219), rat (SEQ NO:214),and rhesus RAMP1(SEQ ID NO:216) sequences.

FIGS. 12A-B shows an alignment of human (SEQ ID NO:2), cynomolgus (SEQID NO:221), rhesus (SEQ ID NO: 222), rat )SEQ ID NO:220), and humanchimera (SEQ ID NO:223) CRLR sequences.

FIGS. 13A-13C show representative FACS data of different chimeric CGRPreceptors binding to anti-CGRP R antibodies.

FIG. 14 shows peptide maps derived from AspN digestions of CGRP R alone(chromatogram A) and from digestion of a control sample containing CGRPR monoclonal antibody 12G8 (chromatogram B).

FIG. 15 shows AspN digestions of CGRP R in the presence of differentconcentrations of CGRP R neutralizing antibody.

FIG. 16 shows AspN digestions of CGRP R in the presence of differentconcentration of CGRP R neutralizing antibody, 4E4.

FIG. 17 shows immunohistochemistry staining intensity of cellsexpressing various receptor components with antibody 32H7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The section headings used herein are for organizational purposes onlyand are not to be construed as limiting the subject matter described.

Unless otherwise defined herein, scientific and technical terms used inconnection with the present application shall have the meanings that arecommonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. Further,unless otherwise required by context, singular terms shall includepluralities and plural terms shall include the singular.

Generally, nomenclatures used in connection with, and techniques of,cell and tissue culture, molecular biology, immunology, microbiology,genetics and protein and nucleic acid chemistry and hybridizationdescribed herein are those well known and commonly used in the art. Themethods and techniques of the present application are generallyperformed according to conventional methods well known in the art and asdescribed in various general and more specific references that are citedand discussed throughout the present specification unless otherwiseindicated. See, e.g., Sambrook et al., Molecular Cloning: A LaboratoryManual, 3rd ed., Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, Cold SpringHarbor, N.Y. (2001), Ausubel et al., Current Protocols in MolecularBiology, Greene Publishing Associates (1992), and Harlow and LaneAntibodies: A Laboratory Manual Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press,Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y. (1990), which are incorporated herein byreference. Enzymatic reactions and purification techniques are performedaccording to manufacturer's specifications, as commonly accomplished inthe art or as described herein. The terminology used in connection with,and the laboratory procedures and techniques of, analytical chemistry,synthetic organic chemistry, and medicinal and pharmaceutical chemistrydescribed herein are those well known and commonly used in the art.Standard techniques can be used for chemical syntheses, chemicalanalyses, pharmaceutical preparation, formulation, and delivery, andtreatment of patients.

It should be understood that this invention is not limited to theparticular methodology, protocols, and reagents, etc., described hereinand as such may vary. The terminology used herein is for the purpose ofdescribing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit thescope of the present invention, which is defined solely by the claims.

Other than in the operating examples, or where otherwise indicated, allnumbers expressing quantities of ingredients or reaction conditions usedherein should be understood as modified in all instances by the term“about.” The term “about” when used in connection with percentagesmeans±1%.

Definitions

The term “polynucleotide” or “nucleic acid” includes bothsingle-stranded and double-stranded nucleotide polymers. The nucleotidescomprising the polynucleotide can be ribonucleotides ordeoxyribonucleotides or a modified form of either type of nucleotide.Said modifications include base modifications such as bromouridine andinosine derivatives, ribose modifications such as 2′,3′-dideoxyribose,and internucleotide linkage modifications such as phosphorothioate,phosphorodithioate, phosphoroselenoate, phosphorodiselenoate,phosphoroanilothioate, phoshoraniladate and phosphoroamidate.

The term “oligonucleotide” means a polynucleotide comprising 200 orfewer nucleotides. In some embodiments, oligonucleotides are 10 to 60bases in length. In other embodiments, oligonucleotides are 12, 13, 14,15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20 to 40 nucleotides in length. Oligonucleotidesmay be single stranded or double stranded, e.g., for use in theconstruction of a mutant gene. Oligonucleotides may be sense orantisense oligonucleotides. An oligonucleotide can include a label,including a radiolabel, a fluorescent label, a hapten or an antigeniclabel, for detection assays. Oligonucleotides may be used, for example,as PCR primers, cloning primers or hybridization probes.

An “isolated nucleic acid molecule” means a DNA or RNA of genomic, mRNA,cDNA, or synthetic origin or some combination thereof which is notassociated with all or a portion of a polynucleotide in which theisolated polynucleotide is found in nature, or is linked to apolynucleotide to which it is not linked in nature. For purposes of thisdisclosure, it should be understood that “a nucleic acid moleculecomprising” a particular nucleotide sequence does not encompass intactchromosomes. Isolated nucleic acid molecules “comprising” specifiednucleic acid sequences may include, in addition to the specifiedsequences, coding sequences for up to ten or even up to twenty otherproteins or portions thereof, or may include operably linked regulatorysequences that control expression of the coding region of the recitednucleic acid sequences, and/or may include vector sequences.

Unless specified otherwise, the left-hand end of any single-strandedpolynucleotide sequence discussed herein is the 5′ end; the left-handdirection of double-stranded polynucleotide sequences is referred to asthe 5′ direction. The direction of 5′ to 3′ addition of nascent RNAtranscripts is referred to as the transcription direction; sequenceregions on the DNA strand having the same sequence as the RNA transcriptthat are 5′ to the 5′ end of the RNA transcript are referred to as“upstream sequences;” sequence regions on the DNA strand having the samesequence as the RNA transcript that are 3′ to the 3′ end of the RNAtranscript are referred to as “downstream sequences.”

The term “control sequence” refers to a polynucleotide sequence that canaffect the expression and processing of coding sequences to which it isligated. The nature of such control sequences may depend upon the hostorganism. In particular embodiments, control sequences for prokaryotesmay include a promoter, a ribosomal binding site, and a transcriptiontermination sequence. For example, control sequences for eukaryotes mayinclude promoters comprising one or a plurality of recognition sites fortranscription factors, transcription enhancer sequences, andtranscription termination sequence. “Control sequences” can includeleader sequences and/or fusion partner sequences.

The term “vector” means any molecule or entity (e.g., nucleic acid,plasmid, bacteriophage or virus) used to transfer protein codinginformation into a host cell.

The term “expression vector” or “expression construct” refers to avector that is suitable for transformation of a host cell and containsnucleic acid sequences that direct and/or control (in conjunction withthe host cell) expression of one or more heterologous coding regionsoperatively linked thereto. An expression construct may include, but isnot limited to, sequences that affect or control transcription,translation, and, if introns are present, affect RNA splicing of acoding region operably linked thereto.

As used herein, “operably linked” means that the components to which theterm is applied are in a relationship that allows them to carry outtheir inherent functions under suitable conditions. For example, acontrol sequence in a vector that is “operably linked” to a proteincoding sequence is ligated thereto so that expression of the proteincoding sequence is achieved under conditions compatible with thetranscriptional activity of the control sequences.

The term “host cell” means a cell that has been transformed, or iscapable of being transformed, with a nucleic acid sequence and therebyexpresses a gene of interest. The term includes the progeny of theparent cell, whether or not the progeny is identical in morphology or ingenetic make-up to the original parent cell, so long as the gene ofinterest is present.

The term “transduction” means the transfer of genes from one bacteriumto another, usually by bacteriophage. “Transduction” also refers to theacquisition and transfer of eukaryotic cellular sequences by replicationdefective retroviruses.

The term “transfection” means the uptake of foreign or exogenous DNA bya cell, and a cell has been “transfected” when the exogenous DNA hasbeen introduced inside the cell membrane. A number of transfectiontechniques are well known in the art and are disclosed herein. See,e.g., Graham et al., 1973, Virology 52:456; Sambrook et al., 2001,Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, supra; Davis et al., 1986, BasicMethods in Molecular Biology, Elsevier; Chu et al., 1981, Gene 13:197.Such techniques can be used to introduce one or more exogenous DNAmoieties into suitable host cells.

The term “transformation” refers to a change in a cell's geneticcharacteristics, and a cell has been transformed when it has beenmodified to contain new DNA or RNA. For example, a cell is transformedwhere it is genetically modified from its native state by introducingnew genetic material via transfection, transduction, or othertechniques. Following transfection or transduction, the transforming DNAmay recombine with that of the cell by physically integrating into achromosome of the cell, or may be maintained transiently as an episomalelement without being replicated, or may replicate independently as aplasmid. A cell is considered to have been “stably transformed” when thetransforming DNA is replicated with the division of the cell.

The terms “polypeptide” or “protein” are used interchangeably herein torefer to a polymer of amino acid residues. The terms also apply to aminoacid polymers in which one or more amino acid residues is an analog ormimetic of a corresponding naturally occurring amino acid, as well as tonaturally occurring amino acid polymers. The terms can also encompassamino acid polymers that have been modified, e.g., by the addition ofcarbohydrate residues to form glycoproteins, or phosphorylated.Polypeptides and proteins can be produced by a naturally-occurring andnon-recombinant cell; or it is produced by a genetically-engineered orrecombinant cell, and comprise molecules having the amino acid sequenceof the native protein, or molecules having deletions from, additions to,and/or substitutions of one or more amino acids of the native sequence.The terms “polypeptide” and “protein” specifically encompass antigenbinding proteins, e.g., CGRP R antigen-binding proteins, CGRP R bindingproteins, antibodies, or sequences that have deletions from, additionsto, and/or substitutions of one or more amino acids of anantigen-binding protein. The term “polypeptide fragment” refers to apolypeptide that has an amino-terminal deletion, a carboxyl-terminaldeletion, and/or an internal deletion as compared with the full-lengthprotein. Such fragments may also contain modified amino acids ascompared with the full-length protein. In certain embodiments, fragmentsare about five to 500 amino acids long. For example, fragments may be atleast 5, 6, 8, 10, 14, 20, 50, 70, 100, 110, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350,400, or 450 amino acids long. Useful polypeptide fragments includeimmunologically functional fragments of antibodies, including bindingdomains. In the case of a CGRP R-binding antibody, useful fragmentsinclude but are not limited to a CDR region, a variable domain of aheavy or light chain, a portion of an antibody chain or just itsvariable domain including two CDRs, and the like. The “CGRP receptor”,or “CGRP R”, is understood to comprise RAMP1 and CRLR.

The term “isolated protein” (e.g., isolated antigen binding protein),“isolated polypeptide” or “isolated antibody” means that a subjectprotein, polypeptide or antibody (1) is free of at least some otherproteins with which it would normally be found, (2) is essentially freeof other proteins from the same source, e.g., from the same species, (3)is expressed by a cell from a different species, (4) has been separatedfrom at least about 50 percent of polynucleotides, lipids,carbohydrates, or other materials with which it is associated in nature,(5) is operably associated (by covalent or noncovalent interaction) witha polypeptide with which it is not associated in nature, or (6) does notoccur in nature. Typically, an “isolated protein”, “isolatedpolypeptide” or “isolated antibody” constitutes at least about 5%, atleast about 10%, at least about 25%, or at least about 50% of a givensample. Genomic DNA, cDNA, mRNA or other RNA, of synthetic origin, orany combination thereof may encode such an isolated protein. Preferably,the isolated protein polypeptide or antibody is substantially free fromother proteins or other polypeptides or other contaminants that arefound in its natural environment that would interfere with itstherapeutic, diagnostic, prophylactic, research or other use.

A “variant” of a polypeptide (e.g., an antigen binding protein, or anantibody) comprises an amino acid sequence wherein one or more aminoacid residues are inserted into, deleted from and/or substituted intothe amino acid sequence relative to another polypeptide sequence.Variants include fusion proteins.

A “derivative” of a polypeptide is a polypeptide (e.g., an antigenbinding protein, or an antibody) that has been chemically modified insome manner distinct from insertion, deletion, or substitution variants,e.g., via conjugation to another chemical moiety.

The term “naturally occurring” as used throughout the specification inconnection with biological materials such as polypeptides, nucleicacids, host cells, and the like, refers to materials which are found innature.

An “antigen binding protein” as used herein means a protein thatspecifically binds a specified target antigen, such as CGRP R,particularly primate, e.g., human CGRP R. A CGRP R antigen bindingprotein specifically binds the human CGRP receptor.

An antigen binding protein is said to “specifically bind” its targetwhen the dissociation constant (K_(D)) is ≦10⁻⁶ M. The antibodyspecifically binds the target antigen with “high affinity” when theK_(D) is ≦1×10⁻⁸ M. In one embodiment, the antibodies will bind to CGRPR, or human CGRP R with a K_(D)≦5×10⁻⁷; in another embodiment theantibodies will bind with a K_(D)≦1×10⁻⁷; in another embodiment theantibodies will bind with a K_(D)≦5×10⁻⁸; in another embodiment theantibodies will bind with a K_(D)≦1×10⁻⁸; in another embodiment theantibodies will bind with a K_(D)≦5×10⁻⁹; in another embodiment theantibodies will bind with a K_(D)≦1×10⁻⁹; in another embodiment theantibodies will bind with a K_(D)≦5×10⁻¹⁰; in another embodiment theantibodies will bind with a K_(D)≦1×10⁻¹⁰.

An antibody, antigen binding fragment thereof or antigen binding protein“selectively inhibits” a specific receptor relative to other receptorswhen the IC50 of the antibody, antigen binding fragment thereof orantigen binding protein in an inhibition assay of the specific receptoris at least 50-fold lower than the IC50 in an inhibition assay ofanother “reference” receptor. The “selectivity ratio” is the IC50 of thereference receptor divided by IC50 of the specific receptor. Anantibody, antigen binding fragment thereof or antigen binding proteinselectively inhibits the human CGRP receptor if the IC50 of theantibody, antigen binding fragment thereof or antigen binding protein ina cAMP assay, e.g., the cAMP inhibition assay as described in Example 4herein, is at least 50-fold lower than the IC50 of that same antibody,antigen binding fragment thereof or antigen binding protein in aninhibition assay of the human AM1, AM2 or an amylin receptor (e.g.,AMY1). By way of non-limiting example, if the IC50 of a specificanti-CGRP R antibody in a cAMP assay of hCGRP R is, e.g., between 0.1 nMand 20 nM, and the IC50 of the same antibody in a cAMP assay of thehAM1, hAM2 or human AMY1 receptor is 1000 nM or more, that antibodyselectively inhibits the hCGRP receptor. An antigen binding protein thatselectively inhibits a specific receptor is also understood to be aneutralizing antigen binding protein with respect to that receptor.

“Antigen binding region” means a protein, or a portion of a protein,that specifically binds a specified antigen. For example, that portionof an antigen binding protein that contains the amino acid residues thatinteract with an antigen and confer on the antigen binding protein itsspecificity and affinity for the antigen is referred to as “antigenbinding region.” An antigen binding region typically includes one ormore “complementary binding regions” (“CDRs”). Certain antigen bindingregions also include one or more “framework” regions. A “CDR” is anamino acid sequence that contributes to antigen binding specificity andaffinity. “Framework” regions can aid in maintaining the properconformation of the CDRs to promote binding between the antigen bindingregion and an antigen.

In certain aspects, recombinant antigen binding proteins that bind CGRPR protein, or human CGRP R, are provided. In this context, a“recombinant protein” is a protein made using recombinant techniques,i.e., through the expression of a recombinant nucleic acid as describedherein. Methods and techniques for the production of recombinantproteins are well known in the art.

The term “antibody” refers to an intact immunoglobulin of any isotype,or an antigen binding fragment thereof that can compete with the intactantibody for specific binding to the target antigen, and includes, forinstance, chimeric, humanized, fully human, and bispecific antibodies.An “antibody” as such is a species of an antigen binding protein. Anintact antibody generally will comprise at least two full-length heavychains and two full-length light chains, but in some instances mayinclude fewer chains such as antibodies naturally occurring in camelidswhich may comprise only heavy chains. Antibodies may be derived solelyfrom a single source, or may be “chimeric,” that is, different portionsof the antibody may be derived from two different antibodies asdescribed further below. The antigen binding proteins, antibodies, orbinding fragments may be produced in hybridomas, by recombinant DNAtechniques, or by enzymatic or chemical cleavage of intact antibodies.Unless otherwise indicated, the term “antibody” includes, in addition toantibodies comprising two full-length heavy chains and two full-lengthlight chains, derivatives, variants, fragments, and mutations thereof,examples of which are described below.

The term “light chain” includes a full-length light chain and fragmentsthereof having sufficient variable region sequence to confer bindingspecificity. A full-length light chain includes a variable regiondomain, V_(L), and a constant region domain, C_(L). The variable regiondomain of the light chain is at the amino-terminus of the polypeptide.Light chains include kappa chains and lambda chains.

The term “heavy chain” includes a full-length heavy chain and fragmentsthereof having sufficient variable region sequence to confer bindingspecificity. A full-length heavy chain includes a variable regiondomain, V_(H), and three constant region domains, C_(H)1, C_(H)2, andC_(H)3. The V_(H) domain is at the amino-terminus of the polypeptide,and the C_(H) domains are at the carboxyl-terminus, with the C_(H)3being closest to the carboxy-terminus of the polypeptide. Heavy chainsmay be of any isotype, including IgG (including IgG1, IgG2, IgG3 andIgG4 subtypes), IgA (including IgA1 and IgA2 subtypes), IgM and IgE.

The term “signal sequence”, “leader sequence” or “signal peptide” refersto a short (3-60 amino acids long) peptide chain that directs thetransport of a protein. Signal peptides may also be called targetingsignals, signal sequences, transit peptides, or localization signals.Some signal peptides are cleaved from the protein by signal peptidaseafter the proteins are transported, such that the biologically activeform of the protein (e.g., an antigen binding protein as describedherein) is the cleaved, shorter form. Accordingly, terms such as“antibody comprising a heavy chain . . . ”, “antibody comprising a lightchain . . . ”, etc., where the antibody is characterized as having aheavy and/or light chain with a particular identified sequence, areunderstood to include antibodies having the specific identifiedsequences, antibodies having the specific identified sequences exceptthat the signal sequences are replaced by different signal sequences, aswell as antibodies having the identified sequences, minus any signalsequences.

The term “antigen binding fragment” (or simply “fragment”) of anantibody or immunoglobulin chain (heavy or light chain), as used herein,comprises a portion (regardless of how that portion is obtained orsynthesized) of an antibody that lacks at least some of the amino acidspresent in a full-length chain but which is capable of specificallybinding to an antigen. Such fragments are biologically active in thatthey bind specifically to the target antigen and can compete with otherantigen binding proteins, including intact antibodies, for specificbinding to a given epitope. In one aspect, such a fragment will retainat least one CDR present in the full-length light or heavy chain, and insome embodiments will comprise a single heavy chain and/or light chainor portion thereof. These biologically active fragments may be producedby recombinant DNA techniques, or may be produced by enzymatic orchemical cleavage of antigen binding proteins, including intactantibodies. Immunologically functional immunoglobulin fragments include,but are not limited to, Fab, Fab′, F(ab′)₂, Fv, domain antibodies andsingle-chain antibodies, and may be derived from any mammalian source,including but not limited to human, mouse, rat, camelid or rabbit. It iscontemplated further that a functional portion of the antigen bindingproteins disclosed herein, for example, one or more CDRs, could becovalently bound to a second protein or to a small molecule to create atherapeutic agent directed to a particular target in the body,possessing bifunctional therapeutic properties, or having a prolongedserum half-life.

An “Fab fragment” is comprised of one light chain and the C_(H)1 andvariable regions of one heavy chain. The heavy chain of a Fab moleculecannot form a disulfide bond with another heavy chain molecule.

An “Fc” region contains two heavy chain fragments comprising the C_(H)1and C_(H)2 domains of an antibody. The two heavy chain fragments areheld together by two or more disulfide bonds and by hydrophobicinteractions of the C_(H)3 domains.

An “Fab′ fragment” contains one light chain and a portion of one heavychain that contains the V_(H) domain and the C_(H)1 domain and also theregion between the C_(H)1 and C_(H)2 domains, such that an interchaindisulfide bond can be formed between the two heavy chains of two Fab′fragments to form an F(ab′)₂ molecule.

An “F(ab′)₂ fragment” contains two light chains and two heavy chainscontaining a portion of the constant region between the C_(H)1 andC_(H)2 domains, such that an interchain disulfide bond is formed betweenthe two heavy chains. A F(ab′)₂ fragment thus is composed of two Fab′fragments that are held together by a disulfide bond between the twoheavy chains.

The “Fv region” comprises the variable regions from both the heavy andlight chains, but lacks the constant regions.

“Single-chain antibodies” are Fv molecules in which the heavy and lightchain variable regions have been connected by a flexible linker to forma single polypeptide chain, which forms an antigen-binding region.Single chain antibodies are discussed in detail in International PatentApplication Publication No. WO 88/01649 and U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,946,778 and5,260,203, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference.

A “domain antibody” is an immunologically functional immunoglobulinfragment containing only the variable region of a heavy chain or thevariable region of a light chain. In some instances, two or more V_(H)regions are covalently joined with a peptide linker to create a bivalentdomain antibody. The two V_(H) regions of a bivalent domain antibody maytarget the same or different antigens.

A “bivalent antigen binding protein” or “bivalent antibody” comprisestwo antigen binding sites. In some instances, the two binding sites havethe same antigen specificities. Bivalent antigen binding proteins andbivalent antibodies may be bispecific, see, infra.

A “multispecific antigen binding protein” or “multispecific antibody” isone that targets more than one antigen or epitope.

A “bispecific,” “dual-specific” or “bifunctional” antigen bindingprotein or antibody is a hybrid antigen binding protein or antibody,respectively, having two different antigen binding sites. Bispecificantigen binding proteins and antibodies are a species of multispecificantigen binding protein or multispecific antibody and may be produced bya variety of methods including, but not limited to, fusion of hybridomasor linking of Fab′ fragments. See, e.g., Songsivilai and Lachmann, 1990,Clin. Exp. Immunol. 79:315-321; Kostelny et al., 1992, J. Immunol.148:1547-1553. The two binding sites of a bispecific antigen bindingprotein or antibody will bind to two different epitopes, which mayreside on the same or different protein targets.

The term “neutralizing antigen binding protein” or “neutralizingantibody” refers to an antigen binding protein or antibody,respectively, that binds to a ligand, prevents binding of the ligand toits binding partner and interrupts the biological response thatotherwise would result from the ligand binding to its binding partner.In assessing the binding and specificity of an antigen binding protein,e.g., an antibody or immunologically functional antigen binding fragmentthereof, an antibody or fragment will substantially inhibit binding of aligand to its binding partner when an excess of antibody reduces thequantity of binding partner bound to the ligand by at least about 20%,30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 99% or more (asmeasured in an in vitro competitive binding assay). In the case of aCGRP R binding protein, such a neutralizing molecule will diminish theability of CGRP R to bind CGRP.

The term “compete”, when used in the context of antigen binding proteinsthat may bind the same region on a target antigen, means competitionbetween antigen binding proteins is determined by an assay in which theantigen binding protein (e.g., antibody or immunologically functionalantigen binding fragment thereof) under test prevents or inhibitsspecific binding of a reference antigen binding protein (e.g., a ligand,or a reference antibody) to a common antigen (e.g., CGRP R or an antigenbinding fragment thereof). Any of a number of competitive binding assayscan be used, for example: solid phase direct or indirectradioimmunoassay (RIA), solid phase direct or indirect enzymeimmunoassay (EIA), sandwich competition assay (see, e.g., Stahli et al.,1983, Methods in Enzymology 9:242-253); solid phase direct biotin-avidinEIA (see, e.g., Kirkland et al., 1986, J. Immunol. 137:3614-3619) solidphase direct labeled assay, solid phase direct labeled sandwich assay(see, e.g., Harlow and Lane, 1988, Antibodies, A Laboratory Manual, ColdSpring Harbor Press); solid phase direct label RIA using 1-125 label(see, e.g., Morel et al., 1988, Molec. Immunol. 25:7-15); solid phasedirect biotin-avidin EIA (see, e.g., Cheung, et al., 1990, Virology176:546-552); and direct labeled RIA (Moldenhauer et al., 1990, Scand.J. Immunol. 32:77-82). Such an assay may involve the use of purifiedantigen bound to a solid surface or cells bearing either of these, anunlabelled test antigen binding protein and a labeled reference antigenbinding protein. Competitive inhibition may measured by determining theamount of label bound to the solid surface or cells in the presence ofthe test antigen binding protein. Antigen binding proteins identified bycompetition assay (competing antigen binding proteins) include antigenbinding proteins binding to the same epitope as the reference antigenbinding proteins and antigen binding proteins binding to an adjacentepitope sufficiently proximal to the epitope bound by the referenceantigen binding protein for stearic hindrance to occur. Usually, when acompeting antigen binding protein is present in excess, it will inhibitspecific binding of a reference antigen binding protein to a commonantigen by at least 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70% or 75%. In someinstance, binding is inhibited by at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or 97% ormore. Competitive inhibition may also be measured by immobilizing areference antigen binding protein to a substrate, e.g., a “sensor chip”,capturing antigen on the substrate via binding to the referenceantibody, and assaying whether a different antigen binding protein (acompeting antigen binding protein) can additionally bind to the antigen.An example of the latter competitive binding assay employs a Biacoreanalysis, and is described in Example 7 herein.

The term “antigen” or “immunogen” refers to a molecule or a portion of amolecule capable of being bound by a selective binding agent, such as anantigen binding protein (including, e.g., an antibody or immunologicalfunctional antigen binding fragment thereof), and additionally capableof being used in an animal to produce antibodies capable of binding tothat antigen. An antigen may possess one or more epitopes that arecapable of interacting with different antigen binding proteins, e.g.,antibodies.

The term “epitope” is the portion of a molecule that is bound by anantigen binding protein (for example, an antibody). The term includesany determinant capable of specifically binding to an antigen bindingprotein, such as an antibody or to a T-cell receptor. An epitope can becontiguous or non-contiguous (e.g., (i) in a single-chain polypeptide,amino acid residues that are not contiguous to one another in thepolypeptide sequence but that within in context of the molecule arebound by the antigen binding protein, or (ii) in a multimeric receptor,e.g., CGRP R, comprising two or more individual components, e.g., RAMP1and CRLR, amino acid residues present on two or more of the individualcomponents, but that within the context of the multimeric receptor arebound by the antigen binding protein). In certain embodiments, epitopesmay be mimetic in that they comprise a three dimensional structure thatis similar to an epitope used to generate the antigen binding protein,yet comprise none or only some of the amino acid residues found in thatepitope used to generate the antigen binding protein. Most often,epitopes reside on proteins, but in some instances may reside on otherkinds of molecules, such as nucleic acids. Epitope determinants mayinclude chemically active surface groupings of molecules such as aminoacids, sugar side chains, phosphoryl or sulfonyl groups, and may havespecific three dimensional structural characteristics, and/or specificcharge characteristics. Generally, antibodies specific for a particulartarget antigen will preferentially recognize an epitope on the targetantigen in a complex mixture of proteins and/or macromolecules.

The term “identity” refers to a relationship between the sequences oftwo or more polypeptide molecules or two or more nucleic acid molecules,as determined by aligning and comparing the sequences. “Percentidentity” means the percent of identical residues between the aminoacids or nucleotides in the compared molecules and is calculated basedon the size of the smallest of the molecules being compared. For thesecalculations, gaps in alignments (if any) must be addressed by aparticular mathematical model or computer program (i.e., an“algorithm”). Methods that can be used to calculate the identity of thealigned nucleic acids or polypeptides include those described inComputational Molecular Biology, (Lesk, A. M., ed.), 1988, New York:Oxford University Press; Biocomputing Informatics and Genome Projects,(Smith, D. W., ed.), 1993, New York: Academic Press; Computer Analysisof Sequence Data, Part I, (Griffin, A. M., and Griffin, H. G., eds.),1994, New Jersey: Humana Press; von Heinje, G., 1987, Sequence Analysisin Molecular Biology, New York: Academic Press; Sequence AnalysisPrimer, (Gribskov, M. and Devereux, J., eds.), 1991, New York: M.Stockton Press; and Carillo et al., 1988, SIAM J. Applied Math. 48:1073.

In calculating percent identity, the sequences being compared arealigned in a way that gives the largest match between the sequences. Thecomputer program used to determine percent identity is the GCG programpackage, which includes GAP (Devereux et al., 1984, Nucl. Acid Res.12:387; Genetics Computer Group, University of Wisconsin, Madison,Wis.). The computer algorithm GAP is used to align the two polypeptidesor polynucleotides for which the percent sequence identity is to bedetermined. The sequences are aligned for optimal matching of theirrespective amino acid or nucleotide (the “matched span”, as determinedby the algorithm). A gap opening penalty (which is calculated as 3× theaverage diagonal, wherein the “average diagonal” is the average of thediagonal of the comparison matrix being used; the “diagonal” is thescore or number assigned to each perfect amino acid match by theparticular comparison matrix) and a gap extension penalty (which isusually 1/10 times the gap opening penalty), as well as a comparisonmatrix such as PAM 250 or BLOSUM 62 are used in conjunction with thealgorithm. In certain embodiments, a standard comparison matrix (see,Dayhoff et al., 1978, Atlas of Protein Sequence and Structure 5:345-352for the PAM 250 comparison matrix; Henikoff et al., 1992, Proc. Natl.Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 89:10915-10919 for the BLOSUM 62 comparison matrix) isalso used by the algorithm.

Recommended parameters for determining percent identity for polypeptidesor nucleotide sequences using the GAP program are the following:

Algorithm: Needleman et al., 1970, J. Mol. Biol. 48:443-453;

Comparison matrix: BLOSUM 62 from Henikoff et al., 1992, supra;

Gap Penalty: 12 (but with no penalty for end gaps)

Gap Length Penalty: 4

Threshold of Similarity: 0

Certain alignment schemes for aligning two amino acid sequences mayresult in matching of only a short region of the two sequences, and thissmall aligned region may have very high sequence identity even thoughthere is no significant relationship between the two full-lengthsequences. Accordingly, the selected alignment method (GAP program) canbe adjusted if so desired to result in an alignment that spans at least50 contiguous amino acids of the target polypeptide.

As used herein, “substantially pure” means that the described species ofmolecule is the predominant species present, that is, on a molar basisit is more abundant than any other individual species in the samemixture. In certain embodiments, a substantially pure molecule is acomposition wherein the object species comprises at least 50% (on amolar basis) of all macromolecular species present. In otherembodiments, a substantially pure composition will comprise at least80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or 99% of all macromolecular species present in thecomposition. In other embodiments, the object species is purified toessential homogeneity wherein contaminating species cannot be detectedin the composition by conventional detection methods and thus thecomposition consists of a single detectable macromolecular species.

The term “treating” refers to any indicia of success in the treatment oramelioration of an injury, pathology or condition, including anyobjective or subjective parameter such as abatement; remission;diminishing of symptoms or making the injury, pathology or conditionmore tolerable to the patient; slowing in the rate of degeneration ordecline; making the final point of degeneration less debilitating;improving a patient's physical or mental well-being. The treatment oramelioration of symptoms can be based on objective or subjectiveparameters; including the results of a physical examination,neuropsychiatric exams, and/or a psychiatric evaluation. For example,certain methods presented herein successfully treat migraine headacheseither prophylactically or as an acute treatment, decreasing thefrequency of migraine headaches, decreasing the severity of migraineheadaches, and/or ameliorating a symptom associated with migraineheadaches.

An “effective amount” is generally an amount sufficient to reduce theseverity and/or frequency of symptoms, eliminate the symptoms and/orunderlying cause, prevent the occurrence of symptoms and/or theirunderlying cause, and/or improve or remediate the damage that resultsfrom or is associated with migraine headache. In some embodiments, theeffective amount is a therapeutically effective amount or aprophylactically effective amount. A “therapeutically effective amount”is an amount sufficient to remedy a disease state (e.g. migraineheadache) or symptoms, particularly a state or symptoms associated withthe disease state, or otherwise prevent, hinder, retard or reverse theprogression of the disease state or any other undesirable symptomassociated with the disease in any way whatsoever. A “prophylacticallyeffective amount” is an amount of a pharmaceutical composition that,when administered to a subject, will have the intended prophylacticeffect, e.g., preventing or delaying the onset (or reoccurrence) ofmigraine headache, or reducing the likelihood of the onset (orreoccurrence) of migraine headache or migraine headache symptoms. Thefull therapeutic or prophylactic effect does not necessarily occur byadministration of one dose, and may occur only after administration of aseries of doses. Thus, a therapeutically or prophylactically effectiveamount may be administered in one or more administrations.

“Amino acid” includes its normal meaning in the art. The twentynaturally-occurring amino acids and their abbreviations followconventional usage. See, Immunology-A Synthesis, 2nd Edition, (E. S.Golub and D. R. Green, eds.), Sinauer Associates: Sunderland, Mass.(1991), incorporated herein by reference for any purpose. Stereoisomers(e.g., D-amino acids) of the twenty conventional amino acids, unnaturalamino acids such as α-,α-disubstituted amino acids, N-alkyl amino acids,and other unconventional amino acids may also be suitable components forpolypeptides and are included in the phrase “amino acid.” Examples ofunconventional amino acids include: 4-hydroxyproline,γ-carboxyglutamate, ε-N,N,N-trimethyllysine, ε-N-acetyllysine,O-phosphoserine, N-acetylserine, N-formylmethionine, 3-methylhistidine,5-hydroxylysine, σ-N-methylarginine, and other similar amino acids andimino acids (e.g., 4-hydroxyproline). In the polypeptide notation usedherein, the left-hand direction is the amino terminal direction and theright-hand direction is the carboxyl-terminal direction, in accordancewith standard usage and convention.

General Overview

Antigen-binding proteins that bind CGRP R protein, including human CGRPR (hCGRP R) protein are provided herein. The antigen binding proteinsprovided are polypeptides into which one or more complementarydetermining regions (CDRs), as described herein, are embedded and/orjoined. In some antigen binding proteins, the CDRs are embedded into a“framework” region, which orients the CDR(s) such that the properantigen binding properties of the CDR(s) is achieved. In general,antigen binding proteins that are provided can interfere with, block,reduce or modulate the interaction between CGRP and CGRP R.

Certain antigen binding proteins described herein are antibodies or arederived from antibodies. In certain embodiments, the polypeptidestructure of the antigen binding proteins is based on antibodies,including, but not limited to, monoclonal antibodies, bispecificantibodies, minibodies, domain antibodies, synthetic antibodies(sometimes referred to herein as “antibody mimetics”), chimericantibodies, humanized antibodies, human antibodies, antibody fusions(sometimes referred to herein as “antibody conjugates”), and fragmentsthereof. The various structures are further described herein below.

The antigen binding proteins provided herein have been demonstrated tobind to CGRP R, in particular human CGRP R. As described further in theexamples below, certain antigen binding proteins were tested and foundto bind to epitopes different from those bound by a number of otherantibodies directed against one or the other of the components of CGRPR. The antigen binding proteins that are provided compete with CGRP andthereby prevent CGRP from binding to its receptor. As a consequence, theantigen binding proteins provided herein are capable of inhibiting CGRPR activity. In particular, antigen binding proteins binding to theseepitopes can have one or more of the following activities: inhibiting,inter alia, induction of CGRP R signal transduction pathways, inhibitingvasodialation, causing vasoconstriction, decreasing inflammation, e.g.,neurogenic inflammation, and other physiological effects induced by CGRPR upon CGRP binding.

The antigen binding proteins that are disclosed herein have a variety ofutilities. Some of the antigen binding proteins, for instance, areuseful in specific binding assays, affinity purification of CGRP R, inparticular hCGRP R or its ligands and in screening assays to identifyother antagonists of CGRP R activity. Some of the antigen-bindingproteins are useful for inhibiting binding of CGRP to CGRP R.

The antigen-binding proteins can be used in a variety of treatmentapplications, as explained herein. For example, certain CGRP Rantigen-binding proteins are useful for treating conditions associatedwith CGRP R mediated signaling, such as reducing, alleviating, ortreating the frequency and/or severity of migraine headache, reducing,alleviating, or treating cluster headache, reducing, alleviating, ortreating chronic pain, alleviating or treating diabetes mellitus (typeII), reducing, alleviating, or treating cardiovascular disorders, andreducing, alleviating, or treating hemodynamic derangements associatedwith endotoxemia and sepsis in a patient. Other uses for the antigenbinding proteins include, for example, diagnosis of CGRP R-associateddiseases or conditions and screening assays to determine the presence orabsence of CGRP R. Some of the antigen binding proteins described hereinare useful in treating consequences, symptoms, and/or the pathologyassociated with CGRP R activity. These include, but are not limited to,various types of migraine headaches.

CGRP Receptor

The antigen binding proteins disclosed herein bind to CGRP R, inparticular human CGRP R. CGRP R is a multimer that includes both CRLRand RAMP1. The nucleotide sequence of human CRLR is provided herein asSEQ ID NO:1. The amino acid sequence of human CRLR is provided herein asSEQ ID NO:2. The nucleotide sequence of human RAMP1 is provided hereinas SEQ ID NO:3. The amino acid sequence of human RAMP1 is providedherein as SEQ ID NO:4. The antigen binding proteins described hereinbind the extracellular portion of CGRP R, which comprises theextracellular portions of CRLR and RAMP1. An exemplary extracellulardomain (“ECD”) of human CRLR is encoded by the nucleotide sequencepresented as SEQ ID NO:5, and has the amino acid sequence presented asSEQ ID NO:6. This sequence includes a signal peptide; an exemplarymature (minus the signal peptide) CRLR ECD has the amino acid sequencepresented as SEQ ID NO:10. An exemplary ECD of human RAMP1 is encoded bythe nucleotide sequence presented as SEQ ID NO:7, and has the amino acidsequence presented as SEQ ID NO:8. This sequence includes a signalpeptide; an exemplary mature (minus the signal peptide) RAMP1 ECD hasthe amino acid sequence presented as SEQ ID NO:11. As described below,CGRP R proteins may also include fragments. As used herein, the termsare used interchangeably to mean a receptor, in particular, unlessotherwise specified, a human receptor that binds specifically to CGRP.

The term CGRP R also includes post-translational modifications of theCGRP R amino acid sequence, for example, possible N-linked glycosylationsites. Thus, the antigen binding proteins may bind to or be generatedfrom proteins glycosylated at one or more of the positions.

CGRP Receptor Binding Proteins

A variety of selective binding agents useful for regulating the activityof CGRP R are provided. These agents include, for instance, antigenbinding proteins that contain an antigen binding domain (e.g., singlechain antibodies, domain antibodies, immunoadhesions, and polypeptideswith an antigen binding region) and specifically bind to CGRP R, inparticular human CGRP R. Some of the agents, for example, are useful ininhibiting the binding of CGRP to CGRP R, and can thus be used toinhibit, interfere with or modulate one or more activities associatedwith CGRP R signaling.

In general, the antigen binding proteins that are provided typicallycomprise one or more CDRs as described herein (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or6). In some instances, the antigen binding protein comprises (a) apolypeptide structure and (b) one or more CDRs that are inserted intoand/or joined to the polypeptide structure. The polypeptide structurecan take a variety of different forms. For example, it can be, orcomprise, the framework of a naturally occurring antibody, or fragmentor variant thereof, or may be completely synthetic in nature. Examplesof various polypeptide structures are further described below.

In certain embodiments, the polypeptide structure of the antigen bindingproteins is an antibody or is derived from an antibody, including, butnot limited to, monoclonal antibodies, bispecific antibodies,minibodies, domain antibodies, synthetic antibodies (sometimes referredto herein as “antibody mimetics”), chimeric antibodies, humanizedantibodies, antibody fusions (sometimes referred to as “antibodyconjugates”), and portions or fragments of each, respectively. In someinstances, the antigen binding protein is an immunological fragment ofan antibody (e.g., a Fab, a Fab′, a F(ab′)₂, or a scFv). The variousstructures are further described and defined herein.

Certain of the antigen binding proteins as provided herein specificallybind to human CGRP R. In a specific embodiment, the antigen bindingprotein specifically binds to human CGRP R protein comprising human CRLRhaving the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:2 and human RAMP1 having theamino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:4.

In embodiments where the antigen binding protein is used for therapeuticapplications, an antigen binding protein can inhibit, interfere with ormodulate one or more biological activities of CGRP R. In this case, anantigen binding protein binds specifically and/or substantially inhibitsbinding of human CGRP R to CGRP when an excess of antibody reduces thequantity of human CGRP R bound to CGRP, or vice versa, by at least about20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 99% or more (forexample by measuring binding in an in vitro competitive binding assay).

Naturally Occurring Antibody Structure

Some of the antigen binding proteins that are provided have thestructure typically associated with naturally occurring antibodies. Thestructural units of these antibodies typically comprise one or moretetramers, each composed of two identical couplets of polypeptidechains, though some species of mammals also produce antibodies havingonly a single heavy chain. In a typical antibody, each pair or coupletincludes one full-length “light” chain (in certain embodiments, about 25kDa) and one full-length “heavy” chain (in certain embodiments, about50-70 kDa). Each individual immunoglobulin chain is composed of several“immunoglobulin domains”, each consisting of roughly 90 to 110 aminoacids and expressing a characteristic folding pattern. These domains arethe basic units of which antibody polypeptides are composed. Theamino-terminal portion of each chain typically includes a variabledomain that is responsible for antigen recognition. The carboxy-terminalportion is more conserved evolutionarily than the other end of the chainand is referred to as the “constant region” or “C region”. Human lightchains generally are classified as kappa and lambda light chains, andeach of these contains one variable domain and one constant domain.Heavy chains are typically classified as mu, delta, gamma, alpha, orepsilon chains, and these define the antibody's isotype as IgM, IgD,IgG, IgA, and IgE, respectively. IgG has several subtypes, including,but not limited to, IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, and IgG4. IgM subtypes includeIgM, and IgM2. IgA subtypes include IgA1 and IgA2. In humans, the IgAand IgD isotypes contain four heavy chains and four light chains; theIgG and IgE isotypes contain two heavy chains and two light chains; andthe IgM isotype contains five heavy chains and five light chains. Theheavy chain C region typically comprises one or more domains that may beresponsible for effector function. The number of heavy chain constantregion domains will depend on the isotype. IgG heavy chains, forexample, each contain three C region domains known as C_(H)1, C_(H)2 andC_(H)3. The antibodies that are provided can have any of these isotypesand subtypes. In certain embodiments, the CGRP R antibody is of theIgG1, IgG2, or IgG4 subtype.

In full-length light and heavy chains, the variable and constant regionsare joined by a “J” region of about twelve or more amino acids, with theheavy chain also including a “D” region of about ten more amino acids.See, e.g., Fundamental Immunology, 2nd ed., Ch. 7 (Paul, W., ed.) 1989,New York: Raven Press (hereby incorporated by reference in its entiretyfor all purposes). The variable regions of each light/heavy chain pairtypically form the antigen binding site.

One example of an IgG2 heavy constant domain of an exemplary CGRP Rmonoclonal antibody has the amino acid sequence:

ASTKGPSVFPLAPCSRSTSESTAALGCLVKDYFPEPVTVSWNSGALTSGVHTFPAVLQSSGLYSLSSVVTVPSSNFGTQTYTCNVDHKPSNTKVDKTVERKCCVECPPCPAPPVAGPSVFLFPPKPKDTLMISRTPEVTCVVVDVSHEDPEVQFNWYVDGVEVHNAKTKPREEQFNSTFRVVSVLTVVHQDWLNGKEYKCKVSNKGLPAPIEKTISKTKGQPREPQVYTLPPSREEMTKNQVSLTCLVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTTPPMLDSDGSFFLYSKLTVDKSRWQQGNVFSCSVMHEALHNHYTQKSLSLSPGK (the last 326 residues of the sequence shownas SEQ. ID NO: 29).

One example of a kappa light Constant domain of an exemplary CGRP Rmonoclonal antibody has the amino acid sequence:

RTVAAPSVFIFPPSDEQLKSGTASVVCLLNNFYPREAKVQWKVDNALQSGNSQESVTEQDSKDSTYSLSSTLTLSKADYEKHKVYACEVTHQGLSSPVTK SFNRGEC (the last 107residues of the sequence shown as SEQ ID NO: 14).

Variable regions of immunoglobulin chains generally exhibit the sameoverall structure, comprising relatively conserved framework regions(FR) joined by three hypervariable regions, more often called“complementarity determining regions” or CDRs. The CDRs from the twochains of each heavy chain/light chain pair mentioned above typicallyare aligned by the framework regions to form a structure that bindsspecifically with a specific epitope on the target protein (e.g., CGRPR). From N-terminal to C-terminal, naturally-occurring light and heavychain variable regions both typically conform with the following orderof these elements: FR1, CDR1, FR2, CDR2, FR3, CDR3 and FR4. A numberingsystem has been devised for assigning numbers to amino acids that occupypositions in each of these domains. This numbering system is defined inKabat Sequences of Proteins of Immunological Interest (1987 and 1991,NIH, Bethesda, Md.), or Chothia & Lesk, 1987, J. Mol. Biol. 196:901-917;Chothia et al., 1989, Nature 342:878-883.

The various heavy chain and light chain variable regions provided hereinare depicted in Table 3. Each of these variable regions may be attachedto the above heavy and light chain constant regions to form a completeantibody heavy and light chain, respectively. Further, each of the sogenerated heavy and light chain sequences may be combined to form acomplete antibody structure. It should be understood that the heavychain and light chain variable regions provided herein can also beattached to other constant domains having different sequences than theexemplary sequences listed above.

Specific examples of some of the full length light and heavy chains ofthe antibodies that are provided and their corresponding amino acidsequences are summarized in Tables 2A and 2B. Table 2A shows exemplarylight chain sequences, and Table 2B shows exemplary heavy chainsequences.

TABLE 2A Exemplary Antibody Light Chain Amino Acid Sequences SEQ IDContained NO: Designation in Clone Sequence 12 L1 01E11 LCMDMRVPAQLLGLLLLWLRGARCQSVLTQPPSVSEAPGQKVTISCSGSSSNIGNNYVSWYQQLPGTAPKLLIYDNNKRPSGIPDRFSGSKSGTSATLGITGLQTGDEADYYCGTWDSRLSAVVFGGGTKLTVLGQPKANPTVTLFPPSSEELQANKATLVCLISDFYPGAVTVAWKADGSPVKAGVETTKPSKQSNNKYAASSYLSLTPEQWKSHRSYSCQ VTHEGSTVEKTVAPTECS 13 L201H7 LC MDMRVPAQLLGLLLLWLRGARCQSVLTQPPSASGIPGQRVTISCSGSSSNIGSNYVYWYQQLPGAAPKLLIFRSNQRPSGVPDRFSGSKSGTSASLAISGLRSEDEADYYCAAWDDSLSGWVFGGGTKLTVLGQPKANPTVTLFPPSSEELQANKATLVCLISDFYPGAVTVAWKADGSPVKAGVETTKPSKQSNNKYAASSYLSLTPEQWKSHRSYSCQ VTHEGSTVEKTVAPTECS 14 L302E7 LC MDMRVPAQLLGLLLLWLRGARCDIQMTQSPSSLSASVGDRVTITCRASOGIRNDLGWFQQKPGKAPKRLIYAASSLQSGVPSRFSGSGSGTEFTLTISSLQPEDLATYYCLQYNIYPWTFGQGTKVEIKRTVAAPSVFIFPPSDEQLKSGTASVVCLLNNFYPREAKVQWKVDNALQSGNSQESVTEQDSKDSTYSLSSTLTLSKADYEKHKVYACEVTH QGLSSPVTKSFNRGEC 15 L4 03B6LC MDMRVPAQLLGLLLLWLRGARCSSELTQDPTVSVALGQTVKITCQGDSLRSFYASWYQQKPGQAPVLVFYGKNNRPSGIPDRFSGSSSGNTASLTITGAQAEDEADYYCNSRDSSVYHLVLGGGTKLTVLGQPKANPTVTLFPPSSEELQANKATLVCLISDFYPGAVTVAWKADGSPVKAGVETTKPSKQSNNKYAASSYLSLTPEQWKSHRSYSCQVT HEGSTVEKTVAPTECS 16 L5 03C8LC MDMRVPAQLLGLLLLWLRGARCDIILAQTPLSLSVTPGQPASISCKSSQSLLHSAGKTYLYWYLQKPGQPPQLLIYEVSNRFSGVPDRFSGSGSGTDFTLKISRVEAEDVGIYYCMQSFPLPLTFGGGIKVEIKRTVAAPSVFIFPPSDEQLKSGTASVVCLLNNFYPREAKVQWKVDNALQSGNSQESVTEQDSKDSIYSLSSTLTLSKADYEKHKVYACEVTH QGLSSPVTKSFNRGEC 17 L604E4 LC MDMRVPAQLLGLLLLWLRGARCQSVLTQPPSVSAAPGQKVTISCSGSSSNIGNNYVSWYQQLPGTAPKLLIYDNNKRPSGIPDRFSGSKSGTSTTLGITGLQTGDEADYYCGTWDSRLSAVVFGGGTKLTVLGQPKANPTVTLFPPSSEELQANKATLVCLISDFYPGAVTVAWKADGSPVKAGVETTKPSKQSNNKYAASSYLSLTPEQWKSHRSYSCQVTHEG STVEKTVAPTECS 18 L7 04H6LC MDMRVPAQLLGLLLLWLRGARCDIVMTQSPLSLPVTPGEPASISCRSSQSLLHSFGYNYLDWYLQKPGQSPQLLIYLGSNRASGVPDRFSGSGSGTDFTLKISRVEAEDVGVYYCMQALQTPFTFGPGTKVDIKRTVAAPSVFIFPPSDEQLKSGTASVVCLLNNFYPREAKVQWKVDNALQSGNSQESVTEQDSKDSTYSLSSTLTLSKADYEKHKVYACEVTH QGLSSPVTKSFNRGEC 19 L805F5 LC MDMRVPAQLLGLLLLWLRGARCDIILTQTPLSLSVTPGQPASISCKSSQSLLHSDGKTYLYWYLQKPGQPPQLLIYEVSNRFSGEPDRFSGSGSGTDFTLKISRVEAEDVGTYYCMQSFPLPLTFGGGTKVEIKRTVAAPSVFIFPPSDEQLKSGTASVVCLLNNFYPREAKVQWKVDNALQSGNSQESVTEQDSKDSTYSLSSTLTLSKADYEKHKVYACEVTH QGLSSPVTKSFNRGEC 20 L909D4 LC MDMRVPAQLLGLLLLWLRGARCQSVLTQPPSVSAAPGQKVTISCSGSSSNIGNNYVSWYQQFPGTAPKLLIYDNNKRPSGIPDRFSGSKSGTSATLGITGLQTGDEADYYCGTWDSRLSAVVFGGGTKLTVLGQPKANPTVTLFPPSSEELQANKATLVCLISDFYPGAVTVAWKADGSPVKAGVETTKPSKQSNNKYAASSYLSLTPEQWKSHRSYSCQVTHEG STVEKTVAPTECS 21 L10 09F5LC MDMRVPAQLLGLLLLWLRGARCQSVLTQSPSASGTPGQRVTISCSGSSSNIGSNYVYWYQQLPGAAPKLLILRNNQRPSGVPDRFSGSKSGTSASLTISGLRSEDEADYYCAAWDDSLSGWVFGGGTKLTVLGQPKANPTVTLFPPSSEELQANKATLVCLISDFYPGAVTVAWKADGSPVKAGVETTKPSKQSNNKYAASSYLSLTPEQWKSHRSYSCQVTHEG STVEKTVAPTECS 22 L11 10E4LC MDMRVPAQLLGLLLLWLRGARCQSVLTQPPSASGTPGQRVTISCSGSSSNIGSNTVNWYQQLPGTAPKLLIYTNNQRPSGVPDRFSGSKSGTSASLAISGLQSEDEADFYCAARDESLNGVVFGGGTKLTVLGQPKANPTVTLFPPSSEELQANKATLVCLISDFYPGAVTVAWKADGSPVKAGVETTKPSKQSNNKYAASSYLSLTPEQWKSHRSYSCQVTHEG STVEKTVAPTECS 23 L12 11D11HL MDMRVPAQLLGLLLLWLRGARCQSVLTQPPSASGIPGQRVTISCS 11H9 LCGSSSNIGSNYVYWYQQLPGAAPKLLIFRNNQRPSGVPDRFSGSKSGTSASLAISGLRSEDEADYYCAAWDDSLSGWVFGGGIKLTVLGQPKANPTVTLFPPSSEELQANKATLVCLISDFYPGAVTVAWKADGSPVKAGVETTKPSKQSNNKYAASSYLSLTPEQWKSHRSYSCQVTHEG STVEKTVAPTECS 24 L13 12E8LC MDMRVPAQLLGLLLLWLRGARCDITLTQTPLSLSVSPGQPASISCKSSQSLLHSDGRNYLYWYLQKPGQPPQLLIYEVSNRFSGLPDRFSGSGSGTDFTLKISRVEAEDVGIYYCMQSFPLPLTFGGGTKVEIKRTVAAPSVFIFPPSDEQLKSGTASVVCLLNNFYPREAKVQWKVDNALQSGNSQESVTEQDSKDSTYSLSSTLTLSKADYEKHKVYACEVTH QGLSSPVTKSFNRGEC 25 L1412G8 HL MDMRVPAQLLGLLLLWLRGARCQSVLTQPPSVSAAPGQKVTISCSGSSSNIGNNYVSWYQQLPGTAPKLLIYDNNKRPSGIPDRFSGSKSGTSATLGITGLQTGDEADYYCGTWDSRLSAWFGGGTKLTVLGQPKANPTVTLFPPSSEELQANKATLVCLISDFYPGAVTVAWKADGSPVKAGVETTKPSKQSNNKYAASSYLSLTPEQWKSHRSYSCQVTHEGS TVEKTVAPTECS 26 L15 13H2LC MDMRVPAQLLGLLLLWLRGARCDIQMTQSPSSLSASVGDRVTITCRASQGIRKDLGWYQQKPGKAPKRLIYGASSLQSGVPSRFSGSGSGTEFTLTISSLQPEDFATYYCLQYNSFPWTFGQGTKVEIKRTVAAPSVFIFPPSDEQLKSGTASVVCLLNNFYPREAKVQWKVDNALQSGNSQESVTEQDSKDSIYSLSSTLTLSKADYEKHKVYACEVTHQGLSS PVIKSFNRGEC 27 L16 32H7 LCMETPAQLLFLLLLWLPDTTGEIVLTQSPGTLSLSPGERATLSCRASQSVSSGYLTWYQQKPGQAPRLLIYGASSRATGIPDRFSGSGSGTDFTLTISRLEPEDFAVYYCQQYGNSLCRFGQGTKLEIKRTVAAPSVFIFPPSDEQLKSGTASVVCLLNNFYPREAKVQWKVDNALQSGNSQESVTEQDSKDSTYSLSSTLTLSKADYEKHKVYACEVTHQGLSSP VTKSFNRGEC 28 L17 32H7 CSLC METPAQLLFLLLLWLPDTTGEIVLTQSPGTLSLSPGERATLSCRASQSVSSGYLTWYQQKPGQAPRLLIYGASSRATGIPDRFSGSGSGTDFTLTISRLEPEDFAVYYCQQYGNSLSRFGQGTKLEIKRTVAAPSVFIFPPSDEQLKSGTASVVCLLNNFYPREAKVQWKVDNALQSGNSQESVTEQDSKDSTYSLSSTLTLSKADYEKHKVYACEVTHQGLSSP VTKSFNRGEC

TABLE 2B Exemplary Antibody Heavy Chain Amino Acid Sequences SEQ IDContained NO: Designation in Clone Sequence 29 H1 01E11 HCMDMRVPAQLLGLLLLWLRGARCQVQLVESGGGVVQPGRSLRLS 04E4 HCCAASGFTFSSFGMHWVRQAPGKGLEWVAVISFDGSIKYSVDSV 09D4 HCKGRFTISRDNSKNTLFLQMNSLRAEDTAVYYCARDRLNYYDSSGYYHYKYYGMAVWGQGTTVTVSSASTKGPSVFPLAPCSRSTSESTAALGCLVKDYFPEPVTVSWNSGALTSGVHTFPAVLQSSGLYSLSSVVTVPSSNFGTQTYTCNVDHKPSNTKVDKTVERKCCVECPPCPAPPVAGPSVFLFPPKPKDTLMISRTPEVTCVVVDVSHEDPEVQFNWYVDGVEVHNAKTKPREEQFNSTFRVVSVLTVVHQDWLNGKEYKCKVSNKGLPAPIEKTISKTKGQPREPQVYTLPPSREEMTKNQVSLTCLVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTTPPMLDSDGSFFLYSKLTVDKSRWQQGNVFSCSVMHEALHNHYTQKSLS LSPGK 30 H2 01H7 HCMDMRVPAQLLGLLLLWLRGARCEVQLVESGGGLVKPGGSLRLSCAASGFTFSNAWMSWVRQAPGKGLEWVGRIKSTTDGGTTDYAAPVKGRFTISRDDSKNTLYLQMNSLKTEDTAVYYCTTDRTGYSSWSSYYYYYGMDVWGQGTTVTVSSASTKGPSVFPLAPCSRSTSESTAALGCLVKDYFPEPVTVSWNSGALTSGVHTFPAVLQSSGLYSLSSVVTVPSSNFGTQTYTCNVDHKPSNTKVDKTVERKCCVECPPCPAPPVAGPSVFLFPPKPKDTLMISRTPEVTCVVVDVSHEDPEVQFNWYVDGVEVHNAKTKPREEQFNSIFRWSVLTVVHQDWLNGKEYKCKVSNKGLPAPIEKTISKTKGQPREPQVYTLPPSREEMTKNQVSLTCLVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTTPPMLDSDGSFFLYSKLTVDKSRWQQGNVFSCSVMHEALHNHYTQKSLSL SPGK 31 H3 02E7 HCMDMRVPAQLLGLLLLWLRGARCEVQLLESGGGLVQPGESLRLSCAASGFTFSSYAMSWVRQAPGKGLEWVSAISGSGGRTYYADSVKGRFTISRDNSKNTLYLQMNSLRAEDTAVYYCAKDQREVGPYSSGWYDYYYGMDVWGQGTTVTVSSASTKGPSVFPLAPCSRSTSESTAALGCLVKDYFPEPVTVSWNSGALTSGVHTFPAVLQSSGLYSLSSVVTVPSSNFGTQTYTCNVDHKPSNTKVDKTVERKCCVECPPCPAPPVAGPSVFLFPPKPKDTLMISRTPEVTCVVVDVSHEDPEVQFNWYVDGVEVHNAKTKPREEQFNSTFRVVSVLTVVHQDWLNGKEYKCKVSNKGLPAPIEKTISKTKGQPREPQVYTLPPSREEMTKNQVSLTCLVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTTPPMLDSDGSFFLYSKLTVDKSRWQQGNVFSCSVMHEALHNHYTQKSLS LSPGK 32 H4 03B6 HCMDMRVPAQLLGLLLLWLRGARCQVQLVQSGAEVKKPGASVKVSCKASGYTFTGYYMHWVRQAPGQGLEWMGWINPNSGGTNYAQKFQGRVTMTRDTSISTAYMELSRLRSDDTAVYFCARDQMSIIMLRGVFPPYYYGMDVWGQGTTVTVSSASTKGPSVFPLAPCSRSTSESTAALGCLVKDYFPEPVTVSWNSGALTSGVHTFPAVLQSSGLYSLSSVVTVPSSNFGTQTYTCNVDHKPSNTKVDKTVERKCCVECPPCPAPPVAGPSVFLFPPKPKDTLMISRTPEVTCVVVDVSHEDPEVQFNWYVDGVEVHNAKTKPREEQFNSTFRVVSVLTVVHQDWLNGKEYKCKVSNKGLPAPIEKTISKTKGQPREPQVYTLPPSREEMTKNQVSLTCLVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTTPPMLDSDGSFFLYSKLTVDKSRWQQGNVFSCSVMHEALHNHYTQKSLS LSPGK 33 H5 03C8 HCMDMRVPAQLLGLLLLWLRGARCQVQLVESGGGWQPGRSLRLSC 05F5 HCCAASGFTFSSYGMHWVRQAPGKGLEWVAVISYDGSHESYADSV 12E8 HCKGRFTISRDISKNTLYLQMNSLRAEDTAVYFCARERKRVTMSTLYYYFYYGMDVWGQGTTVTVSSASTKGPSVFPLAPCSRSTSESTAALGCLVKDYFPEPVTVSWNSGALTSGVHTFPAVLQSSGLYSLSSVVTVPSSNFGTQTYTCNVDHKPSNTKVDKTVERKCCVECPPCPAPPVAGPSVFLFPPKPKDTLMISRTPEVTCVVVDVSHEDPEVQFNWYVDGVEVHNAKTKPREEQFNSIFRWSVLTVVHQDWLNGKEYKCKVSNKGLPAPTEKTISKTKGQPREPQVYTLPPSREEMTKNQVSLTCLVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTTPPMLDSDGSFFLYSKLTVDKSRWQQGNVFSCSVMHEALHNHYTQKSLSLS PGK 34 H6 04H6 HCMDMRVPAQLLGLLLLWLRGARCEVQLVESGGGLVKPGRSLRLSCTASGFTFGDYAMSWFRQAPGKGLEWIGFIRSRAYGGIPEYAASVKGRFTISRDDSKTIAYLQMNSLKTEDTAVYFCARGRGIAARWDYWGQGTLVTVSSASTKGPSVFPLAPCSRSTSESTAALGCLVKDYFPEPVTVSWNSGALTSGVHTFPAVLQSSGLYSLSSVVTVPSSNFGTQTYTCNVDHKPSNTKVDKTVERKCCVECPPCPAPPVAGPSVFLFPPKPKDTLMISRTPEVTCVVVDVSHEDPEVQFNWYVDGVEVHNAKTKPREEQFNSIFRVVSVLTVVHQDWLNGKEYKCKVSNKGLPAPIEKTISKTKGQPREPQVYTLPPSREEMTKNQVSLTCLVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTTPPMLDSDGSFFLYSKLTVDKSRWQQGNVFSCSVMHEALHNHYTQKSLSLSPGK 35 H7 09F5 HCMDMRVPAQLLGLLLLWLRGARCEVQLVESGGGLVKPGGSLRLSCAASGFTFSNAWMSWVRQAPGKGLEWVGRIKSKTDGGTTDYTAPVKGRFTISRDDSKNTLYLQMNSLKAEDTAVYYCTTDRTGYSSWSSYYYYYGMDVWGQGTTVTVSSASTKGPSVFPLAPCSRSTSESTAALGCLVKDYFPEPVTVSWNSGALTSGVHTFPAVLQSSGLYSLSSVVTVPSSNFGTQTYTCNVDHKPSNTKVDKTVERKCCVECPPCPAPPVAGPSVFLFPPKPKDTLMISRTPEVTCVVVDVSHEDPEVQFNWYVDGVEVHNAKTKPREEQFNSTFRVVSVLTVVHQDWLNGKEYKCKVSNKGLPAPIEKTISKTKGQPREPQVYTLPPSREEMTKNQVSLTCLVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTTPPMLDSDGSFFLYSKLTVDKSRWQQGNVFSCSVMHEALHNHYTQKSLS LSPGK 36 H8 10E4 HCMDMRVPAQLLGLLLLWLRGARCQVQLVQSGAEVKKPGASVKVSCKASGYTFTDYYMYWVRQAPGQGLEWMGWISPNSGGTNYAQKFQGRVTMTRDTSISTAYMELSRLRSDDTAVYYCVRGGYSGYAGLYSHYYGMDVWGQGTTVTVSSASIKGPSVFPLAPCSRSTSESTAALGCLVKDYFPEPVTVSWNSGALTSGVHTFPAVLQSSGLYSLSSVVTVPSSNFGTQTYTCNVDHKPSNTKVDKTVERKCCVECPPCPAPPVAGPSVFLFPPKPKDTLMISRTPEVTCVVVDVSHEDPEVQFNWYVDGVEVHNAKTKPREEQFNSIFRWSVLTVVHQDWLNGKEYKCKVSNKGLPAPIEKTISKTKGQPREPQVYTLPPSREEMTKNQVSLTCLVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTTPPMLDSDGSFFLYSKLTVDKSRWQQGNVFSCSVMHEALHNHYTQKSLSLSPG K 37 H9 11D11 HCMDMRVPAQLLGLLLLWLRGARCEVQLVESGGGLVKPGGSLRLSCAASGFTFGNAWMSWVRQAPGKGLEWVGRIKSKTDGGTTDYAAPVKGRFTISRDDSKNTLYLQMNSLKIEDTAVYFCTTDRIGYSISWSSYYYYYGMDVWGQGTTVTVSSASTKGPSVFPLAPCSRSTSESTAALGCLVKDYFPEPVTVSWNSGALTSGVHTFPAVLQSSGLYSLSSVVTVPSSNFGTQTYTCNVDHKPSNTKVDKTVERKCCVECPPCPAPPVAGPSVFLFPPKPKDTLMISRTPEVTCVVVDVSHEDPEVQFNWYVDGVEVHNAKIKPREEQFNSIFRWSVLIWHQDWLNGKEYKCKVSNKGLPAPIEKYISKIKGQPREPQVYYLPPSREEMKNQVSLTCLVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTTPPMLDSDGSFFLYSKLTVDKSRWQQGNVFSCSVMHEALHNHYTQKSLSLS PGK 38 H10 11H9 HCMDMRVPAQLLGLLLLWLRGARCEVQLVESGGGLVKPGGSLRLSCAASGFTFGNAWMSWVRQAPGKGLEWVGRIKSKTDGGTTDYAAPVKGRFTISRDDSKNTLYLQMNSLKTEDTAVYYCTTDRTGYSISWSSYYYYYGMDVWGQGTTVTVSSASTKGPSVFPLAPCSRSTSESTAALGCLVKDYFPEPVTVSWNSGALTSGVHTFPAVLQSSGLYSLSSVVTVPSSNFGTQTYTCNVDHKPSNTKVDKTVERKCCVECPPCPAPPVAGPSVFLFPPKPKDTLMISRTPEVTCVVVDVSHEDPEVQFNWYVDGVEVHNAKTKPREEQFNSTFRVVSVLTVVHQDWLNGKEYKCKVSNKGLPAPIEKTISKTKGQPREPQVYTLPPSREEMTKNQVSLTCLVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTTPPMLDSDGSFFLYSKLTVDKSRWQQGNVFSCSVMHEALHNHYTQKSL SLSPGK 39 H11 12G8 HCMDMRVPAQLLGLLLLWLRGARCQVQLVESGGGWQPGRSLRLSCAASGFTFSSFGMHWVRQAPGKGLEWVAVISFDGSIKYSVDSVKGRFTISRDNSKNTLFLQMNSLRAEDTAVYYCARDRLNYYDSSGYYHYKYYGLAVWGQGTTVTVSSASTKGPSVFPLAPCSRSTSESTAALGCLVKDYFPEPVTVSWNSGALTSGVHTFPAVLQSSGLYSLSSVVTVPSSNFGTQTYTCNVDHKPSNTKVDKTVERKCCVECPPCPAPPVAGPSVFLFPPKPKDTLMISRTPEVTCVVVDVSHEDPEVQFNWYVDGVEVHNAKTKPREEQFNSTFRVVSVLTVVHQDWLNGKEYKCKVSNKGLPAPIEKTISKTKGQPREPQVYTLPPSREEMTKNQVSLTCLVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTTPPMLDSDGSFFLYSKLTVDKSRWQQGNVFSCSVMHEALHNHYTQKSLSL SPGK 40 H12 13H2 HCMDMRVPAQLLGLLLLWLRGARCEVQLVESGGGLVKPGGSLRLSCAASGYTFSTYSMNWVRQAPGKGLEWVSSISSSSSYRYYADSVKGRFTISRDNAKNSLYLQMSSLRAEDTAVYYCAREGVSGSSPYSISWYDYYYGMDVWGQGTTVTVSSASTKGPSVFPLAPCSRSTSESTAALGCLVKDYFPEPVTVSWNSGALTSGVHTFPAVLQSSGLYSLSSVVTVPSSNFGTQTYTCNVDHKPSNTKVDKTVERKCCVECPPCPAPPVAGPSVFLFPPKPKDTLMISRTPEVTCVVVDVSHEDPEVQFNWYVDGVEVHNAKTKPREEQFNSTFRWSVLTVVHQDWLNGKEYKCKVSNKGLPAPIEKTISKTKGQPREPQVYTLPPSREEMTKNQVSLTCLVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTTPPMLDSDGSFFLYSKLTVDKSRWQQGNVFSCSVMHEALHNHYTQKSLS LSPGK 41 H13 32H7 HCMDMRVPAQLLGLLLLWLRGARCQVQLVESGGGVVQPGRSLRLSCAASGFTFSSYGMHWVRQAPGKGLEWVAVIWYDGSNKYYADSVKGRFIISRDKSKNTLYLQMNSLRAEDTAVYYCARAGGIAAAGLYYYYGMDVWGQGTTVTVSSASTKGPSVFPLAPCSRSTSESTAALGCLVKDYFPEPVTVSWNSGALTSGVHTFPAVLQSSGLYSLSSVVTVPSSNFGTQTYTCNVDHKPSNTKVDKTVERKCCVECPPCPAPPVAGPSVFLFPPKPKDTLMISRTPEVTCVWDVSHEDPEVQFNWYVDGVEVHNAKTKPREEQFNSTFRVVSVLTVVHQDWLNGKEYKCKVSNKGLPAPIEKTISKIKGQPREPQVYTLPPSREEMTKNQVSLTCLVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTTPPMLDSDGSFFLYSKLTVDKSRWQQGNVFSCSVMHEALHNHYTIQKSLSLSPG K

The first 22 amino acids of each of the light chain sequences in Table2A, except 32H7 and 32H₇CS, is a signal sequence. In the case of 32H7and 32H₇CS, the signal sequence is 20 amino acids. Similarly, the first22 amino acids of each of the heavy chain sequences in Table 2B is asignal sequence. The signal peptides may be changed to signal peptideshaving different sequences, e.g., for more optimal expression in certainhost cells. It will be therefore be understood that the invention alsoincludes antibodies having the light and/or heavy chain sequences asspecified in Tables 2A and 2B, but with different signal sequences.

Again, each of the exemplary heavy chains (H1, H2, H3 etc.) listed inTable 2B can be combined with any of the exemplary light chains shown inTable 2A to form an antibody. Examples of such combinations include H1combined with any of L1 through L17; H2 combined with any of L1 throughL17; H3 combined with any of L1 through L17, and so on. In someinstances, the antibodies include at least one heavy chain and one lightchain from those listed in Tables 2A and 2B. In some instances, theantibodies comprise two different heavy chains and two different lightchains listed in Tables 2A and 2B. In other instances, the antibodiescontain two identical light chains and two identical heavy chains. As anexample, an antibody or immunologically functional fragment may includetwo H1 heavy chains and two L1 light chains, or two H2 heavy chains andtwo L2 light chains, or two H3 heavy chains and two L3 light chains andother similar combinations of pairs of light chains and pairs of heavychains as listed in Tables 2A and 2B.

Other antigen binding proteins that are provided are variants ofantibodies formed by combination of the heavy and light chains shown inTables 2A and 2B and comprise light and/or heavy chains that each haveat least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97% or 99% identity to the aminoacid sequences of these chains. In some instances, such antibodiesinclude at least one heavy chain and one light chain, whereas in otherinstances the variant forms contain two identical light chains and twoidentical heavy chains.

Variable Domains of Antibodies

Also provided are antigen binding proteins that contain an antibodyheavy chain variable region selected from the group consisting ofV_(H)1, V_(H)2, V_(H)3, V_(H)4, V_(H)5, V_(H)6, V_(H)7, V_(H)8, V_(H)9,V_(H)10, V_(H)11, V_(H)12, and V_(H)13, and/or an antibody light chainvariable region selected from the group consisting of V_(L)1, V_(L)2,V_(L)3, V_(L)4, V_(L)5, V_(L)6, V_(L)7, V_(L)8, V_(L)9, V_(L)10,V_(L)11, V_(L)12, V_(L)13, V_(L)14, V_(L)15, V_(L)16, and V_(L)17, asshown in Table 3 below, and immunologically functional fragments,derivatives, muteins and variants of these light chain and heavy chainvariable regions.

Sequence alignments of the various heavy and light chain variableregions, respectively, are provided in FIGS. 1A and 1B.

Antigen binding proteins of this type can generally be designated by theformula “V_(H)x/V_(L)y,” where “x” corresponds to the number of heavychain variable regions and “y” corresponds to the number of the lightchain variable regions.

TABLE 3 Exemplary V_(H) and V_(L) Chain Amino Acid Sequences ContainedSEQ ID in Clone Designation NO. Amino Acid Sequence 1E11 V_(L)1 137QSVLTQPPSVSEAPGQKVTISCSGSSSNIGNNYVSWYQQLPGTAPKLLIYDNNKRPSGIPDRFSGSKSGTSATLGITGLQTG DEADYYCGTWDSRLSAWFGGGTKLTVL1H7 V_(L)2 138 QSVLTQPPSASGTPGQRVTISCSGSSSNIGSNYVYWYQQLPGAAPKLLIFRSNQRPSGVPDRFSGSKSGTSASLAISGLRSE DEADYYCAAWDDSLSGWVFGGGTKLTVL2E7 V_(L)3 139 DIQMTQSPSSLSASVGDRVTITCRASQGIRNDLGWFQQKPGKAPKRLIYAASSLQSGVPSRFSGSGSGTEFTLTISSLQPED GLTYYCLQYNIYPWTFGQGTKVEIK 3B6V_(L)4 140 SSELTQDPTVSVALGQTVKITCQGDSLRSFYASWYQQKPGQAPVLVFYGKNNRPSGIPDRFSGSSSGNTASLTITGAQAEDE ADYYCNSRDSSVYHLVLGGGTKLTVL 3C8V_(L)5 141 DIILAQTPLSLSVTPGQPASISCKSSQSLLHSAGKTYLYWYLQKPGQPPQLLIYEVSNRFSGVPDRFSGSGSGTDFTLKISR VEAEDVGIYYCMQSFPLPLTFGGGTKVEIK4E4 V_(L)6 142 QSVLTQPPSVSAAPGQKVTISCSGSSSNIGNNYVSWYQQLPGTAPKLLIYDNNKRPSGIPDRFSGSKSGTSTTLGITGLQTG DEADYYCGTWDSRLSAVVFGGGTKLTVL4H6 V_(L)7 143 DIVMTQSPLSLPVTPGEPASISCRSSQSLLHSFGYNYLDWYLQKPGQSPQLLIYLGSNRASGVPDRFSGSGSGTDFTLKISR VEAEDVGVYYCMQALQTPFTFGPGTKVDIK5F5 V_(L)8 144 DIILTQTPLSLSVTPGQPASISCKSSQSLLHSDGKTYLYWYLQKPGQPPQLLIYEVSNRFSGEPDRFSGSGSGTDFTLKISR VEAEDVGTYYCMQSFPLPLTFGGGTKVEIK9D4 V_(L)9 145 QSVLTQPPSVSAAPGQKVTISCSGSSSNIGNNYVSWYQQFPGTAPKLLIYDNNKRPSGIPDRFSGSKSGTSATLGITGLQIG DEADYYCGTWDSRLSAVVFGGGTKLTVL9F5 V_(L)10 146 QSVLTQSPSASGTPGQRVTISCSGSSSNIGSNYVYWYQQLPGAAPKLLILRNNQRPSGVPDRFSGSKSGTSASLTISGLRSE DEADYYCAAWDDSLSGWVFGGGTKLTVL10E4 V_(L)11 147 QSVLTQPPSASGTPGQRVTISCSGSSSNIGSNTVNWYQQLPGTAPKLLIYTNNQRPSGVPDRFSGSKSGTSASLAISGLQSE DEADFYCAARDESLNGVVFGGGTKLTVL11D11 V_(L)12 148 QSVLTQPPSASGTPGQRVTISCSGSSSNIGSNYVYWYQQLP 11H9GAAPKLLIFRNNQRPSGVPDRFSGSKSGTSASLAISGLRSE DEADYYCAAWDDSLSGWVFGGGTKLTVL12E8 V_(L)13 149 DITLTQTPLSLSVSPGQPASISCKSSQSLLHSDGRNYLYWYLQKPGQPPQLLIYEVSNRFSGLPDRFSGSGSGTDFTLKISR VEAEDVGIYYCMQSFPLPLTFGGGIKVEIK12G8 V_(L)14 150 QSVLTQPPSVSAAPGQKVTISCSGSSSNIGNNYVSWYQQLPGTAPKLLIYDNNKRPSGIPDRFSGSKSGTSATLGITGLQTG DEADYYCGTWDSRLSAVVFGGGTKLTVL13H2 V_(L)15 151 DIQMTQSPSSLSASVGDRVTITCRASQGIRKDLGWYQQKPGKAPKRLIYGASSLQSGVPSRFSGSGSGTEFTLTISSLQPED FATYYCLQYNSFPWTFGQGTKVEIK 32H7V_(L)16 152 EIVLTQSPGTLSLSPGERATLSCRASQSVSSGYLTWYQQKPGQAPRLLIYGASSRATGIPDRFSGSGSGTDFTLTISRLEPE DFAVYYCQQYGNSLCRFGQGTKLEIK32H7 CS V_(L)17 153 EIVLTQSPGTLSLSPGERATLSCRASQSVSSGYLTWYQQKPGQAPRLLIYGASSRATGIPDRFSGSGSGTDFTLTISRLEPE DFAVYYCQQYGNSLSRFGQGTKLEIK32H8 V_(L)18 154 DIVMTQSPDSLAVSLGERATINCKSSQSILDSSNNDNYLAWYQQKPGQPPKLLIYWASTRESGVPDRFSGSGSGTDFTLTISSLQAEDVAVYYCQQYYNTPFTFGPGTKVDIK 33B5 V_(L)19 155DIQMTQSPSSLSASVGDRVTITCRASQGIRNDLGWYQQKPGKAPKRLIYVASSLQSGVPSRFSGSGSGTEFTLTISSLQPED FATYYCLQYNTYPLTFGGGTKVEIK 33E4V_(L)20 156 EIVMTQSPATLSVSPGERATLSCRASQSVRSNLAWYQQKPGQAPRLLIHDASPRIAGIPARFSGSGSGTEFTLTINSLQSED FAVYYCQQYNYWTPITFGQGTRLEIK34E3 V_(L)21 157 QSVLTQPPSMSAAPGQKVTISCSGSSSNIGNNYVSWYQQLPGTAPKLLIYDNNKRPSGIPDRFSGSKSGTSATLGITGLQTG DEANYCCGTWDIGLSVWVFGGGTKLTVL4E4 V_(H)1 158 QVQLVESGGGVVQPGRSLRLSCAASGFTFSSFGMHWVRQAP 9D4GKGLEWVAVISFDGSIKYSVDSVKGRFTISRDNSKNTLFLQ 1E11MNSLRAEDTAVYYCARDRLNYYDSSGYYHYKYYGMAVWGQG TTVTVSS 1H7 V_(H)2 159EVQLVESGGGLVKPGGSLRLSCAASGFTFSNAWMSWVRQAPGKGLEWVGRIKSTTDGGTTDYAAPVKGRFTISRDDSKNTLYLQMNSLKTEDTAVYYCTTDRTGYSISWSSYYYYYGMDVWGQ GTTVTVSS 2E7 V_(H)3 160EVQLLESGGGLVQPGESLRLSCAASGFTFSSYAMSWVRQAPGKGLEWVSAISGSGGRTYYADSVKGRFTISRDNSKNTLYLQMNSLRAEDTAVYYCAKDQREVGPYSSGWYDYYYGMDVWGQG TTVTVSS 3B6 V_(H)4 161QVQLVQSGAEVKKPGASVKVSCKASGYTFTGYYMHWVRQAPGQGLEWMGWINPNSGGTNYAQKFQGRVTMTRDTSISTAYMELSRLRSDDTAVYFCARDQMSIIMLRGVFPPYYYGMDVWGQG TTVTVSS 3C8 V_(H)5 162QVQLVESGGGVVQPGRSLRLSCAASGFTFSSYGMHWVRQAP 12E8GKGLEWVAVISYDGSHESYADSVKGRFTISRDISKNTLYLQ 5F5MNSLRAEDTAVYFCARERKRVTMSTLYYYFYYGMDVWGQGT TVTVSS 4H6 V_(H)6 163EVQLVESGGGLVKPGRSLRLSCTASGFTFGDYAMSWFRQAPGKGLEWIGFIRSRAYGGTPEYAASVKGRFTISRDDSKTIAYLQMNSLKTEDTAVYFCARGRGIAARWDYWGQGTLVTVSS 9F5 V_(H)7 164EVQLVESGGGLVKPGGSLRLSCAASGFTFSNAWMSWVRQAPGKGLEWVGRIKSKTDGGTTDYTAPVKGRFTISRDDSKNTLYLQMNSLKAEDTAVYYCTTDRTGYSISWSSYYYYYGMDVWGQ GTTVTVSS 10E4 V_(H)8 165QVQLVQSGAEVKKPGASVKVSCKASGYTFTDYYMYWVRQAPGQGLEWMGWISPNSGGTNYAQKFQGRVTMTRDTSSTAYMELSRLRSDDTAVYYCVRGGYSGYAGLYSHYYGMDVWGQGTTVT VSS 11D11 V_(H)9 166EVQLVESGGGLVKPGGSLRLSCAASGFTFGNAWMSWVRQAPGKGLEWVGRIKSKTDGGTTDYAAPVKGRFTISRDDSKNTLYLQMNSLKTEDTAVYFCTTDRTGYSISWSSYYYYYGMDVWGQ GTTVTVSS 11H9 V_(H)10 167EVQLVESGGGLVKPGGSLRLSCAASGFTFGNAWMSWVRQAPGKGLEWVGRIKSKTDGGTTDYAAPVKGRFTISRDDSKNTLYLQMNSLKTEDTAVYYCTTDRTGYSISWSSYYYYYGMDVWGQ GTTVTVSS 12G8 V_(H)11 168QVQLVESGGGVVQPGRSLRLSCAASGFTFSSFGMHWVRQAPGKGLEWVAVISFDGSIKYSVDSVKGRFTISRDNSKNTLFLQMNSLRAEDTAVYYCARDRLNYYDSSGYYHYKYYGLAVWGQG TTVTVSS 13H2 V_(H)12 169EVQLVESGGGLVKPGGSLRLSCAASGYTFSTYSMNWVRQAPGKGLEWVSSISSSSSYRYYADSVKGRFTISRDNAKNSLYLQMSSLRAEDTAVYYCAREGVSGSSPYSISWYDYYYGMDVWGQ GTTVTVSS 32H7 V_(H)13 170QVQLVESGGGGGQPGRSLRLSCAASGFTFSSYGMHWVRQAPGKGLEWVAVIWYDGSNKYYADSVKGRFIISRDKSKNGLYLQMNSLRAEDTAVYYCARAGGIAAAGLYYYYGMDVWGQGTTVT VSS 32H8 V_(H)14 171QVQLVQSGAEVKKPGASVKVSCKASGYTFTAYYLHWVRQAPGQGLEWMGWINPHSGGTNYAQKFQGRVTMTRDTSISTAYMELSRLRSDDTAVFYCARGRQWLGFDYWGQGTLVTVSS 33E4 V_(H)15 172QVQLQQWGAGLLKPSETLSLSCAVYGGSFGGYYWSWIRQPPGKGLEWIGEINHSGGTKYNPSLKSRVTISVDTSKNQFSLKLSSVTAADTAVYFCARGDVVGFFDYWGQGTLVTVSS 33B5 V_(H)16 173QVQLVQSGAEVKKSGASVKVSCKASGYTFTGYYMHWVRQAPGQGLEWMGWINPNSGGTNYVQKFQGRVTMTRDTSISTAYMELSRLRSDDTAVYYCARNEYSSAWPLGYWGQGTLVTVSS 34E3 V_(H)17 174QITLKESGPTLVKPTQTLTLTCTFSGFSLSTSGVGVAWTRQPPGKALEWLALIYWTDDKRYSPSLKSRLTITKDTSKNQWLRMTNMDPLDTATYFCAHRPGGWFDPWGQGTLVTVSS

Each of the heavy chain variable regions listed in Table 3 may becombined with any of the light chain variable regions shown in Table 3to form an antigen binding protein. Examples of such combinationsinclude V_(H)1 combined with any of V_(L)1, V_(L)2, V_(L)3, V_(L)4,V_(L)5, V_(L)6, V_(L)7, V_(L)8, V_(L)9, V_(L)10, V_(L)11, V_(L)12,V_(L)13, V_(L)14, V_(L)15, V_(L)16, or V_(L)17; V_(H)2 combined with anyof V_(L)1, V_(L)2, V_(L)3, V_(L)4, V_(L)5, V_(L)6, V_(L)7, V_(L)8,V_(L)9, V_(L)10, V_(L)11, V_(L)12, V_(L)13, V_(L)14, V_(L)15, V_(L)16,or V_(L)17; V_(H)3 combined with any of V_(L)1, V_(L)2, V_(L)3, V_(L)4,V_(L)5, V_(L)6, V_(L)7, V_(L)8, V_(L)9, V_(L)10, V_(L)11, V_(L)12,V_(L)13, V_(L)14, V_(L)15, V_(L)16, or V_(L)17; and so on.

In some instances, the antigen binding protein includes at least oneheavy chain variable region and/or one light chain variable region fromthose listed in Table 3. In some instances, the antigen binding proteinincludes at least two different heavy chain variable regions and/orlight chain variable regions from those listed in Table 3. An example ofsuch an antigen binding protein comprises (a) one V_(H)1, and (b) one ofV_(H)2, V_(H)3, V_(H)4, V_(H)5, V_(H)6, V_(H)7, V_(H)8, V_(H)9, V_(H)10,V_(H)11, V_(H)12, or V_(H)13. Another example comprises (a) one V_(H)2,and (b) one of V_(H)1, V_(H)3, V_(H)4, V_(H)5, V_(H)6, V_(H)7, V_(H)8,V_(H)9, V_(H)10, V_(H)11, V_(H)12, or V_(H)13. Again another examplecomprises (a) one V_(H)3, and (b) one of V_(H)1, V_(H)2, V_(H)4, V_(H)5,V_(H)6, V_(H)7, V_(H)8, V_(H)9, V_(H)10, V_(H)11, V_(H)12, or V_(H)13,etc. Again another example of such an antigen binding protein comprises(a) one V_(L)1, and (b) one of V_(L)2, V_(L)3, V_(L)4, V_(L)5, V_(L)6,V_(L)7, V_(L)8, V_(L)9, V_(L)10, V_(L)11, V_(L)12, V_(L)13, V_(L)14,V_(L)15, V_(L)16, or V_(L)17, V_(L)18, V_(L)19, V_(L)20, or V_(L)21.Again another example of such an antigen binding protein comprises (a)one V_(L)2, and (b) one of V_(L)1, V_(L)3, V_(L)4, V_(L)5, V_(L)6,V_(L)7, V_(L)8, V_(L)9, V_(L)10, V_(L)11, V_(L)12, V_(L)13, V_(L)14,V_(L)15, V_(L)16, V_(L)17, V_(L)18, V_(L)19, V_(L)20, or V_(L)21. Againanother example of such an antigen binding protein comprises (a) oneV_(L)3, and (b) one of V_(L)1, V_(L)2, V_(L)4, V_(L)5, V_(L)6, V_(L)7,V_(L)8, V_(L)9, V_(L)10, V_(L)11, V_(L)12, V_(L)13, V_(L)14, V_(L)15,V_(L)16, V_(L)17, V_(L)18, V_(L)19, V_(L)20, or V_(L)21, etc.

The various combinations of heavy chain variable regions may be combinedwith any of the various combinations of light chain variable regions asis apparent to one of skill in the art.

In other instances, the antigen binding protein contains two identicallight chain variable regions and/or two identical heavy chain variableregions. As an example, the antigen binding protein may be an antibodyor immunologically functional fragment that includes two light chainvariable regions and two heavy chain variable regions in combinations ofpairs of light chain variable regions and pairs of heavy chain variableregions as listed in Table 3.

Some antigen binding proteins that are provided comprise a heavy chainvariable domain comprising a sequence of amino acids that differs fromthe sequence of a heavy chain variable domain selected from V_(H)1,V_(H)2, V_(H)3, V_(H)4, V_(H)5, V_(H)6, V_(H)7, V_(H)8, V_(H)9, V_(H)10,V_(H)11, V_(H)12, and V_(H)13 at only 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11,12, 13, 14 or 15 amino acid residues, wherein each such sequencedifference is independently either a deletion, insertion or substitutionof one amino acid, with the deletions, insertions and/or substitutionsresulting in no more than 15 amino acid changes relative to theforegoing variable domain sequences. The heavy chain variable region insome antigen binding proteins comprises a sequence of amino acids thathas at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97% or 99% sequence identityto the amino acid sequences of the heavy chain variable region ofV_(H)1, V_(H)2, V_(H)3, V_(H)4, V_(H)5, V_(H)6, V_(H)7, V_(H)8, V_(H)9,V_(H)10, V_(H)11, V_(H)12, and V_(H)13.

Certain antigen binding proteins comprise a light chain variable domaincomprising a sequence of amino acids that differs from the sequence of alight chain variable domain selected from V_(L)1, V_(L)2, V_(L)3,V_(L)4, V_(L)5, V_(L)6, V_(L)7, V_(L)8, V_(L)9, V_(L)10, V_(L)11,V_(L)12, V_(L)13, V_(L)14, V_(L)15, V_(L)16, or V_(L)17 at only 1, 2, 3,4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 or 15 amino acid residues, whereineach such sequence difference is independently either a deletion,insertion or substitution of one amino acid, with the deletions,insertions and/or substitutions resulting in no more than 15 amino acidchanges relative to the foregoing variable domain sequences. The lightchain variable region in some antigen binding proteins comprises asequence of amino acids that has at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%,97% or 99% sequence identity to the amino acid sequences of the lightchain variable region of V_(L)1, V_(L)2, V_(L)3, V_(L)4, V_(L)5, V_(L)6,V_(L)7, V_(L)8, V_(L)9, V_(L)10, V_(L)11, V_(L)12, V_(L)13, V_(L)14,V_(L)15, V_(L)16, or V_(L)17.

In additional instances, antigen binding proteins comprise the followingpairings of light chain and heavy chain variable domains: VL1 with VH1,VL2 with VH2, VL3 with VH3, VL4 with VH4, VL5 with VH5, VL6 with VH1,VL7 with VH6, VL8 with VH5, VL9 with VH1, VL10 with VH7, VL11 with, H8,VL12 with VH9, VL12 with VH10, VL13 with VH5, VL14 with VH11, VL15 withVH12, VL16 with VH13, and VL17 with VH13. In some instances, the antigenbinding proteins in the above pairings may comprise amino acid sequencesthat have 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97% or 99% sequence identitywith the specified variable domains.

Still other antigen binding proteins, e.g., antibodies orimmunologically functional fragments, include variant forms of a variantheavy chain and a variant light chain as just described.

CDRs

The antigen binding proteins disclosed herein are polypeptides intowhich one or more CDRs are grafted, inserted and/or joined. An antigenbinding protein can have 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 CDRs. An antigen bindingprotein thus can have, for example, one heavy chain CDR1 (“CDRH1”),and/or one heavy chain CDR2 (“CDRH2”), and/or one heavy chain CDR3(“CDRH3”), and/or one light chain CDR1 (“CDRL1”), and/or one light chainCDR2 (“CDRL2”), and/or one light chain CDR3 (“CDRL3”). Some antigenbinding proteins include both a CDRH3 and a CDRL3. Specific heavy andlight chain CDRs are identified in Tables 4A and 4B, respectively.

Complementarity determining regions (CDRs) and framework regions (FR) ofa given antibody may be identified using the system described by Kabatet al. in Sequences of Proteins of Immunological Interest, 5th Ed., USDept. of Health and Human Services, PHS, NIH, NIH Publication no.91-3242, 1991. Certain antibodies that are disclosed herein comprise oneor more amino acid sequences that are identical or have substantialsequence identity to the amino acid sequences of one or more of the CDRspresented in Table 4A (CDRHs) and Table 4B (CDRLs).

TABLE 4A Exemplary Heavy Chain CDR Amino Acid Sequences SEQ ID Containedin Alt Num NO: Reference Designation Sequence 42 73 1E11HCDR1 CDRH 1-1SFGMH 4E4HCDR1 9D4HCDR1 12G8HCDR1 43 76 1H7HCDR1 CDRH 1-2 NAWMS 9F5HCDR111D11HCDR1 11H9HCDR1 44 79 2E7HCDR1 CDRH 1-3 SYAMS 45 82 3B6HCDR1 CDRH1-4 GYYMH 46 85 3C8HCDR1 CDRH 1-5 SYGMH 5F5HCDR1 12E8HCDR1 47 884H6HCDR1 CDRH 1-6 DYAMS 48 92 10E4HCDR1 CDRH 1-7 DYYMY 49 97 13H2HCDR1CDRH 1-8 TYSMN 50 100 32H7HCDR1 CDRH 1-9 SYGMH 51 74 1E11HCDR2 CDRH 2-1VISFDGSIKYSVDSVKG 4E4HCDR2 9D4HCDR2 12G8HCDR2 52 77 1H7HCDR2 CDRH 2-2RIKSTTDGGTTDYAAPVKG 53 80 2E7HCDR2 CDRH 2-3 AISGSGGRTYYADSVKG 54 833B6HCDR2 CDRH 2-4 WINPNSGGTNYAQKFQG 55 86 3C8HCDR2 CDRH 2-5VISYDGSHESYADSVKG 5F5HCDR2 12E8HCDR2 56 89 4H6HCDR2 CDRH 2-6FIRSRAYGGIPEYAASVKG 57 91 9F5HCDR2 CDRH 2-7 RIKSKIDGGIIDYIAPVKG 58 9310E4HCDR2 CDRH 2-8 WISPNSGGINYAQKFQG 59 95 11D11HCDR2 CDRH 2-9RIKSKTDGGTTDYAAPVKG 11H9HCDR2 60 98 13H2HCDR2 CDRH 2-10SISSSSSYRYYADSVKG 61 101 32H7HCDR2 CDRH 2-11 VIWYDGSNKYYADSVKG 62 751E11HCDR3 CDRH 3-1 DRLNYYDSSGYYHYKYYGMAV 4E4HCDR3 9D4HCDR3 63 781H7HCDR3 CDRH 3-2 DRTGYSISWSSYYYYYGMDV 9F5HCDR3 11D11HCDR3 11H9HCDR3 6481 2E7HCDR3 CDRH 3-3 DQREVGPYSSGWYDYYYGMDV 65 84 3B6HCDR3 CDRH 3-4DQMSIIMLRGVFPPYYYGMDV 66 87 3C8HCDR3 CDRH 3-5 ERKRVTMSTLYYYFYYGMDV5F5HCDR3 12E8HCDR3 67 90 4H6HCDR3 CDRH 3-6 GRGIAARWDY 68 94 10E4HCDR3CDRH3-7 GGYSGYAGLYSHYYGMDV 69 96 12G8HCDR3 CDRH 3-8DRLNYYDSSGYYHYKYYGLAV 70 99 13H2HCDR3 CDRH 3-9 EGVSGSSPYSISWYDYYYGMDV 71102 32H7HCDR3 CDRH 3-10 AGGIAAAGLYYYYGMDV

TABLE 4B Exemplary Light Chain CDR Amino Acid Sequences SEQ ID Alt NumNO: Contained in Reference Designation Sequence 72 42 1E11LCD1 CDRL 1-1SGSSSNIGNNYVS 4E4LCD1 9D4LCD1 12G8LCD1 73 45 1H7LCD1 CDRL 1-2SGSSSNIGSNYVY 9F5LCD1 11D11LC1 11H9LCD1 74 48 2E7LCD1 CDRL 1-3RASQGIRNDLG 75 51 3B6LCD1 CDRL 1-4 QGDSLRSFYAS 76 54 3C8LCD1 CDRL 1-5KSSQSLLHSAGKTYLY 77 57 4H6LCD1 CDRL 1-6 RSSQSLLHSFGYNYLD 78 60 5F5LCD1CDRL 1-7 KSSQSLLHSDGKTYLY 79 62 10E4LCD1 CDRL 1-8 SGSSSNIGSNTVN 80 6512E8LCD1 CDRL 1-9 KSSQSLLHSDGRNYLY 81 66 13H2LCD1 CDRL 1-10 RASQGIRKDLG82 69 32H7 LCD1 CDRL 1-11 RASQSVSSGYLT 32H7m LCD1 83 43 1E11LCD2 CDRL2-1 DNNKRPS 4E4LCD2 9D4LCD2 12G8LCD2 84 46 1H7LCD2 CDRL 2-2 RSNQRPS 8549 2E7LCD2 CDRL 2-3 AASSLQS 86 52 3B6LCD2 CDRL 2-4 GKNNRPS 87 55 3C8LCD2CDRL 2-5 EVSNRFS 5F5LCD2 12E8LCD2 88 58 4H6LCD2 CDRL 2-6 LGSNRAS 89 619F5LCD2 CDRL 2-7 RNNQRPS 11D11LC2 11H9LCD2 90 63 10E4LCD2 CDRL 2-8INNQRPS 91 67 13H2LCD2 CDRL 2-9 GASSLQS 92 70 32H7 LCD2 CDRL 2-10GASSRAT 32H7m LCD2 93 44 1E11LCD3 CDRL 3-1 GTWDSRLSAVV 4E4LCD3 9D4LCD312G8LCD3 94 47 1H7LCD3 CDRL 3-2 AAWDDSLSGWV 9F5LCD3 11D11LC3 11H9LCD3 9550 2E7LCD3 CDRL 3-3 LQYNIYPWT 96 53 3B6LCD3 CDRL 3-4 NSRDSSVYHLV 97 563C8LCD3 CDRL 3-5 MQSFPLPLT 5F5LCD3 12E8LCD3 98 59 4H6LCD3 CDRL 3-6MQALQTPFT 99 64 10E4LCD3 CDRL 3-7 AARDESLNGW 100 68 13H2LCD3 CDRL 3-8LQYNSFPWT 101 71 32H7 LCD3 CDRL 3-9 QQYGNSLCR 102 72 32H7m LCD3 CDRL3-10 QQYGNSLSR

The structure and properties of CDRs within a naturally occurringantibody has been described, supra. Briefly, in a traditional antibody,the CDRs are embedded within a framework in the heavy and light chainvariable region where they constitute the regions responsible forantigen binding and recognition. A variable region comprises at leastthree heavy or light chain CDRs, see, supra (Kabat et al., 1991,Sequences of Proteins of Immunological Interest, Public Health ServiceN.I.H., Bethesda, Md.; see also Chothia and Lesk, 1987, J. Mol. Biol.196:901-917; Chothia et al., 1989, Nature 342: 877-883), within aframework region (designated framework regions 1-4, FR1, FR2, FR3, andFR4, by Kabat et al., 1991, supra; see also Chothia and Lesk, 1987,supra). The CDRs provided herein, however, may not only be used todefine the antigen binding domain of a traditional antibody structure,but may be embedded in a variety of other polypeptide structures, asdescribed herein.

In one aspect, the CDRs provided are (a) a CDRH selected from the groupconsisting of (i) a CDRH1 selected from the group consisting of SEQ IDNO:73, 76, 79, 82, 85, 88, 92, 97, and 100; (ii) a CDRH2 selected fromthe group consisting of SEQ ID NO:74, 77, 80, 83, 86, 89, 91, 93, 95,98, 101, and 129; (iii) a CDRH3 selected from the group consisting ofSEQ ID NO:75, 78, 81, 84, 87, 90, 96, 99, 102, and 123; and (iv) a CDRHof (i), (ii) and (iii) that contains one or more, e.g., one, two, three,four or more amino acid substitutions (e.g., conservative amino acidsubstitutions), deletions or insertions of no more than five, four,three, two, or one amino acids; (B) a CDRL selected from the groupconsisting of (i) a CDRL1 selected from the group consisting of SEQ IDNO:42, 45, 48, 51, 54, 57, 62, 65, 66, and 69; (ii) a CDRL2 selectedfrom the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:43, 46, 49, 52, 55, 58, 61, 63,67, and 70; (iii) a CDRL3 selected from the group consisting of SEQ IDNO:44, 47, 50, 53, 56, 59, 64, 68, 71, and 72; and (iv) a CDRL of (i),(ii) and (iii) that contains one or more, e.g., one, two, three, four ormore amino acid substitutions (e.g., conservative amino acidsubstitutions), deletions or insertions of no more than five, four,three, two, or one amino acids amino acids.

In another aspect, an antigen binding protein includes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or6 variant forms of the CDRs listed in Tables 4A and 4B, each having atleast 80%, 85%, 90% or 95% sequence identity to a CDR sequence listed inTables 4A and 4B. Some antigen binding proteins include 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,or 6 of the CDRs listed in Tables 4A and 4B, each differing by no morethan 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 amino acids from the CDRs listed in these tables.

In yet another aspect, the CDRs disclosed herein include consensussequences derived from groups of related monoclonal antibodies. Asdescribed herein, a “consensus sequence” refers to amino acid sequenceshaving conserved amino acids common among a number of sequences andvariable amino acids that vary within a given amino acid sequences. TheCDR consensus sequences provided include CDRs corresponding to each ofCDRH1, CDRH2, CDRH3, CDRL1, CDRL2 and CDRL3.

In still another aspect, an antigen binding protein includes thefollowing associations of CDRL1, CDRL2 and CDRL3: SEQ ID NOs: 42, 43,and 44; SEQ ID NOs: 45, 46, and 47; SEQ ID NOs: 48, 49, and 50; SEQ IDNOs: 51, 52, and 53; SEQ ID NOs: 54, 55, and 56; SEQ ID NOs: 57, 58, and59; SEQ ID NOs: 60, 55, and 56; SEQ ID NOs: 45, 61, and 47; SEQ ID NOs:62, 63, and 64; SEQ ID NOs: 65, 55, and 56; SEQ ID NOs: 66, 67, and 68;SEQ ID NOs: 69, 70, and 71; and SEQ ID NOs: 69, 70, and 72.

In an additional aspect, an antigen binding protein includes thefollowing associations of CDRH1, CDRH2 and CDRH3: SEQ ID NOs: 73, 74,and 75; SEQ ID NOs: 76, 77, and 78; SEQ ID NOs: 79, 80, and 81; SEQ IDNOs: 82, 83, and 84; SEQ ID NOs: 85, 86, and 87; SEQ ID NOs: 88, 89, and90; SEQ ID NOs: 76, 91, and 78; SEQ ID NOs: 92, 93, and 94; SEQ ID NOs:76, 95, and 78; SEQ ID NOs: 73, 74, and 96; SEQ ID NOs: 97, 98, and 99;and SEQ ID NOs: 100, 101, and 102.

In another aspect, an antigen binding protein includes the followingassociations of CDRL1, CDRL2 and CDRL3 with CDRH1, CDRH2 and CDRH3: SEQID NOs: 42, 43, and 44 with SEQ ID NOs: 73, 74, and 75; SEQ ID NOs: 45,46, and 47 with SEQ ID NOs: 76, 77, and 78; SEQ ID NOs: 48, 49, and 50with SEQ ID NOs: 79, 80, and 81; SEQ ID NOs: 51, 52, and 53 with SEQ IDNOs: 82, 83, and 84; SEQ ID NOs: 54, 55, and 56 with SEQ ID NOs: 85, 86,and 87; SEQ ID NOs: 57, 58, and 59 with SEQ ID NOs: 88, 89, and 90; SEQID NOs: 60, 55, and 56 with SEQ ID NOs: 85, 86, and 87; SEQ ID NOs: 45,61, and 47 with SEQ ID NOs: 76, 91, and 78; SEQ ID NOs: 62, 63, and 64with SEQ ID NOs: 92, 93, and 94; SEQ ID NOs: 45, 61, and 47 with SEQ IDNOs: 76, 95, and 78; SEQ ID NOs: 65, 55, and 56 with SEQ ID NOs: 85, 86,and 87; SEQ ID NOs: 42, 43, and 44 with SEQ ID NOs: 73, 74, and 96; SEQID NOs: 66, 67, and 68 with SEQ ID NOs: 97, 98, and 99; SEQ ID NOs: 69,70, and 71 with SEQ ID NOs: 100, 101, and 102; and SEQ ID NOs: 69, 70,and 72 with SEQ ID NOs: 100, 101, and 102.

Consensus sequences were determined using standard phylogenic analysesof the CDRs corresponding to the V_(H) and V_(L) of anti-CGRP Rantibodies. The consensus sequences were determined by keeping the CDRscontiguous within the same sequence corresponding to a V_(H) or V_(L).

As illustrated in FIGS. 3A, 3B, 4, 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D and 5E, lineageanalysis of a variety of the antigen binding proteins provided hereinresulted in groups of related sequences, designated as light chain CDRgroups K1, K2, K3, and K4 (FIGS. 3A and 3B), light chain CDR groups L1,L2, L3, and L4 (FIG. 4), and heavy chain CDR groups HC1 (FIG. 5A), HC2(FIG. 5B), HC3 (FIG. 5C), HC4 (FIG. 5C), HC5 (FIG. 5D) and HC6 (FIG.5E). Some of the above groups were used to generate additional consensussequences, as illustrated in FIGS. 3A, 3B, 4, and 5F, to yield lightchain CDR groups K1,4 (FIG. 3A), K2,3 (FIG. 3B), L1,2,3 (FIG. 4), andLAll (FIG. 4), and heavy chain CDR groups HCA and HCB (FIG. 5F).

The consensus sequences of the various CDR region groups are providedbelow:

K1 Consensus

CDR1 RASQGIRX₁DLG (SEQ ID NO:103), wherein X₁ is selected from the groupconsisting of N and K.

CDR2 X₁ASSLQS (SEQ ID NO:104), wherein X₁ is selected from the groupconsisting of A and G.

CDR3 LQYNX₁X₂PWT (SEQ ID NO:105), wherein X₁ is selected from the groupconsisting of I and S, and X₂ is selected from the group consisting of Yand F.

K4 Consensus

CDR3 QQYGNSLX₁R (SEQ ID NO:106), wherein X₁ is selected from the groupconsisting of S and C.

K1,4 Consensus

CDR1 RASQX₁X₂X₃X₄GX₅LX₆ (SEQ ID NO:107), wherein X₁ is selected from thegroup consisting of S and G, X₂ is selected from the group consisting ofV and I, X₃ is selected from the group consisting of S and R, X₄ isselected from the group consisting of S, N and K, X₅ is selected fromthe group consisting of Y and D, and X₆ is selected from the groupconsisting of T and G.

CDR2 X₁ASSX₂X₃X₄ (SEQ ID NO:108), wherein X₁ is selected from the groupconsisting of G and A, X₂ is selected from the group consisting of R andL, X₃ is selected from the group consisting of A and Q, and X₄ isselected from the group consisting of T and S.

CDR3 X₁QYX₂X₃X₄X₅X₆X₇ (SEQ ID NO:109), wherein X₁ is selected from thegroup consisting of Q and L, X₂ is selected from the group consisting ofG and N, X₃ is selected from the group consisting of N and T, X₄ isselected from the group consisting of S, Y and F, X₅ is selected fromthe group consisting of L and P, X₆ is selected from the groupconsisting of C, W and S, and X₇ is selected from the group consistingof R and T.

K3 Consensus

CDR1 KSSQSLLHSX₁GX₂X₃YLY (SEQ ID NO:110), wherein X₁ is selected fromthe group consisting of D and A, X₂ is selected from the groupconsisting of R and K, and X₃ is selected from the group consisting of Nand T.

K2,3 Consensus

CDR1 X₁SSQSLLHSX₂GX₃X₄YLX₅ (SEQ ID NO:111), wherein X₁ is selected fromthe group consisting of R and K, X₂ is selected from the groupconsisting of F, D and A, X₃ is selected from the group consisting of Y,R and K, X₄ is selected from the group consisting of N and T, and X₅ isselected from the group consisting of D and Y.

CDR2 X₁X₂SNRX₃S (SEQ ID NO:112), wherein X₁ is selected from the groupconsisting of L and E, X₂ is selected from the group consisting of G andV, and X₃ is selected from the group consisting of A and F.

CDR3 MQX₁X₂X₃X₄PX₅T (SEQ ID NO:113), wherein X₁ is selected from thegroup consisting of A and S, X₂ is selected from the group consisting ofL and F, X₃ is selected from the group consisting of Q and P, X₄ isselected from the group consisting of T and L, and X₅ is selected fromthe group consisting of F and L.

Lm3 Consensus

CDR2 RX₁NQRPS (SEQ ID NO:114), wherein X₁ is selected from the groupconsisting of N and S.

Lm1,2,3 Consensus

CDR1 SGSSSNIGX₁NX₂VX₃ (SEQ ID NO:115), wherein X₁ is selected from thegroup consisting of N and S, X₂ is selected from the group consisting ofY and T, and X₃ is selected from the group consisting of S, N and Y.

CDR2 X₁X₂NX₃RPS (SEQ ID NO:116), wherein X₁ is selected from the groupconsisting of D, T and R, X₂ is selected from the group consisting of Nand S, and X₃ is selected from the group consisting of K and Q.

CDR3 X₁X₂X₃DX₄X₅LX₆X₇VV (SEQ ID NO:117), wherein X₁ is selected from thegroup consisting of G and A, X₂ is selected from the group consisting ofT and A, X₃ is selected from the group consisting of W and R, X₄ isselected from the group consisting of S and D, X₅ is selected from thegroup consisting of R and S, X₆ is selected from the group consisting ofS and N, and X₇ is selected from the group consisting of A and G.

LAll Consensus

CDR1 X₁GX₂X₃SX₄X₅X₆X₇X₈X₉X₁₀X₁₁ (SEQ ID NO:118), wherein X₁ is selectedfrom the group consisting of S and Q, X₂ is present or absent, and ifpresent, is S, X₃ is selected from the group consisting of S and D, X₄is present or absent, and if present, is N, X₅ is selected from thegroup consisting of I and L, X₆ is selected from the group consisting ofG and R, X₇ is selected from the group consisting of N and S, X₈ isselected from the group consisting of N and F, X₉ is selected from thegroup consisting of Y and T, X₁₀ is selected from the group consistingof V and A, and X₁₁ is selected from the group consisting of S, N and Y.

CDR2 X₁X₂NX₃RPS (SEQ ID NO:119), wherein X₁ is selected from the groupconsisting of D, G, T, and R, X₂ is selected from the group consistingof N, K and S, and X₃ is selected from the group consisting of K, N andQ.

CDR3 X₁X₂X₃DX₄X₅X₆X₇X₈X₉V (SEQ ID NO:120), wherein X₁ is selected fromthe group consisting of G, N and A, X₂ is selected from the groupconsisting of T, S and A, X₃ is selected from the group consisting of Wand R, X₄ is selected from the group consisting of S and D, X₅ isselected from the group consisting of R and S, X₆ is selected from thegroup consisting of L and V, X₇ is selected from the group consisting ofS, Y and N, X₈ is selected from the group consisting of A, H and G, andX₉ is selected from the group consisting of V and L.

HC1 Consensus

CDR1 X₁YYMX₂ (SEQ ID NO:121), wherein X₁ is selected from the groupconsisting of G and D, X₂ is selected from the group consisting of H andY.

CDR2 WIX₁PNSGGTNYAQKFQG (SEQ ID NO:122), wherein X₁ is selected from thegroup consisting of N and S.

CDR3 X₁X₂X₃SX₄X₅X₆X₇X₈GX₉X₁₀X₁₁X₁₂YYX₁₃GMDV (SEQ ID NO:123), wherein X₁is selected from the group consisting of D and G, X₂ is selected fromthe group consisting of Q and G, X₃ is selected from the groupconsisting of M and Y, X₄ is selected from the group consisting of I andG, X₅ is selected from the group consisting of I and Y, X₆ is selectedfrom the group consisting of M and A, X₇ is present or absent, and ifpresent, is L, X₈ is present or absent, and if present, is R, X₉ isselected from the group consisting of V and L, X₁₀ is selected from thegroup consisting of F and Y, X₁₁ is selected from the group consistingof P and S, X₁₂ is selected from the group consisting of P and H, andX₁₃ is present or absent, and if present, is Y.

HC2 Consensus

CDR2 RIKSX₁TDGGTTDYX₂APVKG (SEQ ID NO:124), wherein X₁ is selected fromthe group consisting of K and T, and X₂ is selected from the groupconsisting of T and A.

HC3 Consensus

CDR1 X₁YX₂MX₃ (SEQ ID NO:125), wherein X₁ is selected from the groupconsisting of T and S, X₂ is selected from the group consisting of S andA, and X₃ is selected from the group consisting of N and S.

CDR2 X₁ISX₂SX₃X₄X₅X₆YYADSVKG (SEQ ID NO:126), wherein X₁ is selectedfrom the group consisting of S and A, X₂ is selected from the groupconsisting of S and G, X₃ is selected from the group consisting of S andG, X₄ is selected from the group consisting of S and G, X₅ is selectedfrom the group consisting of Y and R, and X₆ is selected from the groupconsisting of R and T.

CDR3 X₁X₂X₃X₄X₅X₆X₇PYSX₈X₉WYDYYYGMDV (SEQ ID NO:127), wherein X₁ isselected from the group consisting of E and D, X₂ is selected from thegroup consisting of G and Q, X₃ is selected from the group consisting ofV and R, X₄ is selected from the group consisting of S and E, X₅ isselected from the group consisting of G and V, X₆ is selected from thegroup consisting of S and G, X₇ is present or absent, and if present, isS, X₈ is selected from the group consisting of I and S, and X₉ isselected from the group consisting of S and G.

HC4 Consensus

CDR1 SX₁GMH (SEQ ID NO:128), wherein X₁ is selected from the groupconsisting of F and Y.

CDR2 VISX₁DGSX₂KYX₃X₄DSVKG (SEQ ID NO:129), wherein X₁ is selected fromthe group consisting of F and Y, X₂ is selected from the groupconsisting of I and H, X₃ is selected from the group consisting of S andY, and X₄ is selected from the group consisting of V and A.

CDR3 X₁RX₂X₃X₄X₅X₆SX₇X₈YYX₉X₁₀X₁₁YYGX₁₂X₁₃V (SEQ ID NO:130), wherein X₁is selected from the group consisting of D and E, X₂ is selected fromthe group consisting of L and K, X₃ is selected from the groupconsisting of N and R, X₄ is selected from the group consisting of Y andV, X₅ is selected from the group consisting of Y and T, X₆ is selectedfrom the group consisting of D and M, X₇ is selected from the groupconsisting of S and T, X₈ is selected from the group consisting of G andL, X₉ is selected from the group consisting of H and Y, X₁₀ is presentor absent, and if present, is Y, X₁₁ is selected from the groupconsisting of K and F, X₁₂ is selected from the group consisting of Mand L, and X₁₃ is selected from the group consisting of A and D.

HCA Consensus

CDR1 X₁X₂X₃MX₄ (SEQ ID NO:131), wherein X₁ is selected from the groupconsisting of N and S, X₂ is selected from the group consisting of A, Yand F, X₃ is selected from the group consisting of W, A and G, and X₄ isselected from the group consisting of S and H.

CDR2 X₁IX₂X₃X₄X₅X₆GX₇X₈X₉X₁₀X₁₁X₁₂X₁₃X₁₄VKG (SEQ ID NO:132), wherein X₁is selected from the group consisting of R, A and V, X₂ is selected fromthe group consisting of K, S and W, X₃ is selected from the groupconsisting of S, G, F and Y, X₄ is present or absent, and if present, isselected from the group consisting of K and T, X₅ is present or absent,and if present, is T, X₆ is selected from the group consisting of D andS, X₇ is selected from the group consisting of G and S, X₈ is selectedfrom the group consisting of T, R, I, N and H, X₉ is selected from thegroup consisting of T and K, X₁₀ is selected from the group consistingof D and Y, X₁₁ is selected from the group consisting of Y and S, X₁₂ isselected from the group consisting of T, A and V, X₁₃ is selected fromthe group consisting of A and D, and X₁₄ is selected from the groupconsisting of P and S.

CDR3 X₁X₂X₃X₄X₅X₆X₇X₈X₉X₁₀X₁₁X₁₂X₁₃X₁₄X₁₅X₁₆X₁₇GX₁₈X₁₉V (SEQ ID NO:133),wherein X₁ is selected from the group consisting of D, A and E, X₂ isselected from the group consisting of R, Q and G, X₃ is selected fromthe group consisting of T, R, L, G and K, X₄ is selected from the groupconsisting of G, E, N, I and R, X₅ is selected from the group consistingof Y, V and A, X₆ is selected from the group consisting of S, G, Y, Aand T, X₇ is selected from the group consisting of I, P, D, A and M, X₈is present or absent, and if present, is selected from the groupconsisting of S and Y, X₉ is present or absent, and if present, isselected from the group consisting of W, S and T, X₁₀ is selected fromthe group consisting of S, G and L, X₁₁ is selected from the groupconsisting of S, G, L and Y, X₁₂ is present or absent, and if present,is selected from the group consisting of W and Y, X₁₃ is selected fromthe group consisting of Y and H, X₁₄ is present or absent, and ifpresent, is selected from the group consisting of Y and D, X₁₅ isselected from the group consisting of Y, K and F, X₁₆ is present orabsent, and if present, is Y, X₁₇ is present or absent, and if present,is Y, X₁₈ is selected from the group consisting of M and L, and X₁₉ isselected from the group consisting of D and A.

HCB Consensus

CDR1 X₁X₂X₃X₄X₅ (SEQ ID NO:134), wherein X₁ is selected from the groupconsisting of N, G, D, S and A, X₂ is selected from the group consistingof A, F and Y, X₃ is selected from the group consisting of W, Y, A andG, X₄ is selected from the group consisting of M and L, and X₅ isselected from the group consisting of S and H.

CDR2 X₁IX₂X₃X₄X₅X₆X₇X₈X₉X₁₀X₁₁X₁₂X₁₃X₁₄X₁₅X₁₆X₁₇G (SEQ ID NO:135),wherein X₁ is selected from the group consisting of R, W, A, V, S and F,X₂ is selected from the group consisting of K, N, S, W and R, X₃ isselected from the group consisting of S, P, G, F and Y, X₄ is present orabsent, and if present, is selected from the group consisting of K, Tand R, X₅ is present or absent, and if present, is selected from thegroup consisting of T and A, X₆ is selected from the group consisting ofD, N, H, S and Y, X₇ is selected from the group consisting of G and S,X₈ is selected from the group consisting of G and S, X₉ is selected fromthe group consisting of T, G, R, I, N, H and Y, X₁₀ is selected from thegroup consisting of T, K, R and P, X₁₁ is selected from the groupconsisting of D, N, Y and E, X₁₂ is selected from the group consistingof Y and S, X₁₃ is selected from the group consisting of T, A and V, X₁₄is selected from the group consisting of A, Q and D, X₁₅ is selectedfrom the group consisting of P, K and S, X₁₆ is selected from the groupconsisting of V and F, and X₁₇ is selected from the group consisting ofK and Q.

CDR3 X₁X₂X₃X₄X₅SX₆X₇X₈X₉X₁₀X₁₁X₁₂X₁₃X₁₄X₁₅X₁₆GX₁₇X₁₈V (SEQ ID NO:136),wherein X₁ is selected from the group consisting of D, G, A and E, X₂ isselected from the group consisting of R, G and Q, X₃ is selected fromthe group consisting of T, M, Y, R, L, G and K, X₄ is selected from thegroup consisting of G, S, E, N, I and R, X₅ is selected from the groupconsisting of Y, I, G, V and A, X₆ is selected from the group consistingof S, I, Y, G, A and T, X₇ is selected from the group consisting of I,M, A, P and D, X₈ is present or absent, and if present, is selected fromthe group consisting of S, L and Y, X₉ is present or absent, and ifpresent, is selected from the group consisting of W, R, S and T, X₁₀ isselected from the group consisting of S, G and L, X₁₁ is selected fromthe group consisting of S, V, L, G and Y, X₁₂ is present or absent, andif present, is selected from the group consisting of F, Y and W, X₁₃ isselected from the group consisting of Y, P, S and H, X₁₄ is present orabsent, and if present, is selected from the group consisting of Y, P, Dand H, X₁₅ is selected from the group consisting of Y, K and F, X₁₆ ispresent or absent, and if present, is Y, X₁₇ is present or absent, andif present, is Y, and X₁₈ is selected from the group consisting of M andL.

In some cases the antigen binding protein comprises at least one heavychain CDR1, CDR2, or CDR3 having one of the above consensus sequences.In some cases, the antigen binding protein comprises at least one lightchain CDR1, CDR2, or CDR3 having one of the above consensus sequences.In other cases, the antigen binding protein comprises at least two heavychain CDRs according to the above consensus sequences, and/or at leasttwo light chain CDRs according to the above consensus sequences. Instill other cases, the antigen binding protein comprises at least threeheavy chain CDRs according to the above consensus sequences, and/or atleast three light chain CDRs according to the above consensus sequences.

Exemplary Antigen Binding Proteins

According to one aspect, provided is an isolated antigen-binding proteinthat binds CGRP R comprising (A) one or more heavy chain complementarydetermining regions (CDRHs) selected from the group consisting of: (i) aCDRH1 selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:73, 76, 79, 82,85, 88, 92, 97, and 100; (ii) a CDRH2 selected from the group consistingof SEQ ID NO:74, 77, 80, 83, 86, 89, 91, 93, 95, 98, 101, and 129; (iii)a CDRH3 selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:75, 78, 81, 84,87, 90, 96, 99, 102, and 123; and (iv) a CDRH of (i), (ii) and (iii)that contains one or more, e.g., one, two, three, four or more aminoacid substitutions, deletions or insertions of no more than five, four,three, four, two or one amino acids; (B) one or more light chaincomplementary determining regions (CDRLs) selected from the groupconsisting of: (i) a CDRL1 selected from the group consisting of SEQ IDNO:42, 45, 48, 51, 54, 57, 62, 65, 66, and 69; (ii) a CDRL2 selectedfrom the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:43, 46, 49, 52, 55, 58, 61, 63,67, and 70; (iii) a CDRL3 selected from the group consisting of SEQ IDNO:44, 47, 50, 53, 56, 59, 64, 68, 71, and 72; and (iv) a CDRL of (i),(ii) and (iii) that contains one or more, e.g., one, two, three, four ormore amino acid substitutions, deletions or insertions of no more thanfive, four, three, four, two or one amino acids; or (C) one or moreheavy chain CDRHs of (A) and one or more light chain CDRLs of (B).

In yet another embodiment, the isolated antigen-binding protein maycomprise (A) a CDRH selected from the group consisting of (i) a CDRH1selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:73, 76, 79, 82, 85, 88,92, 97, and 100; (ii) a CDRH2 selected from the group consisting of SEQID NO:74, 77, 80, 83, 86, 89, 91, 93, 95, 98, 101, and 129; and (iii) aCDRH3 selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:75, 78, 81, 84,87, 90, 96, 99, 102, and 123; (B) a CDRL selected from the groupconsisting of (i) a CDRL1 selected from the group consisting of SEQ IDNO:42, 45, 48, 51, 54, 57, 62, 65, 66, and 69; (ii) a CDRL2 selectedfrom the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:43, 46, 49, 52, 55, 58, 61, 63,67, and 70; and (iii) a CDRL3 selected from the group consisting of SEQID NO:44, 47, 50, 53, 56, 59, 64, 68, 71, and 72; or (C) one or moreheavy chain CDRHs of (A) and one or more light chain CDRLs of (B). Inone embodiment, the isolated antigen-binding protein may include (A) aCDRH1 of SEQ ID NO:73, 76, 79, 82, 85, 88, 92, 97, and 100, a CDRH2 ofSEQ ID NO:74, 77, 80, 83, 86, 89, 91, 93, 95, 98, 101, and 129, and aCDRH3 of SEQ ID NO:75, 78, 81, 84, 87, 90, 96, 99, 102, and 123, and (B)a CDRL1 of SEQ ID NO:42, 45, 48, 51, 54, 57, 62, 65, 66, and 69, a CDRL2of SEQ ID NO:43, 46, 49, 52, 55, 58, 61, 63, 67, and 70, and a CDRL3 ofSEQ ID NO:44, 47, 50, 53, 56, 59, 64, 68, 71, and 72.

In another embodiment, the heavy chain variable region (V_(H)) has atleast 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97% or 99% sequence identity with anamino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ IDNO:158-170, and/or the V_(L) has at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%,97% or 99% sequence identity with an amino acid sequence selected fromthe group consisting of SEQ ID NO:137-153. In a further embodiment, theV_(H) is selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 158-170,and/or the V_(L) is selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:137-153.

In another aspect, also provided is an isolated antigen binding proteinthat specifically binds to an epitope formed of amino acid residues fromboth the CRLR and RAMP1 components of the CGRP R.

In yet another embodiment, the isolated antigen binding proteindescribed hereinabove comprises a first amino acid sequence comprisingat least one of the CDRH consensus sequences disclosed herein, and asecond amino acid sequence comprising at least one of the CDRL consensussequences disclosed herein. In one aspect, the first amino acid sequencecomprises at least two of the CDRH consensus sequences, and/or thesecond amino acid sequence comprises at least two of the CDRL consensussequences.

In certain embodiments, the first and the second amino acid sequence arecovalently bonded to each other.

In a further embodiment, the first amino acid sequence of the isolatedantigen-binding protein includes the CDRH3 of SEQ ID NO:75, 78, 81, 84,87, 90, 96, 99, 102, and 123, CDRH2 of SEQ ID NO:74, 77, 80, 83, 86, 89,91, 93, 95, 98, 101, and 129, and CDRH1 of SEQ ID NO:73, 76, 79, 82, 85,88, 92, 97, and 100, and/or the second amino acid sequence of theisolated antigen binding protein comprises the CDRL3 of SEQ ID NO:44,47, 50, 53, 56, 59, 64, 68, 71, and 72, CDRL2 of SEQ ID NO:43, 46, 49,52, 55, 58, 61, 63, 67, and 70, and CDRL1 of SEQ ID NO:42, 45, 48, 51,54, 57, 62, 65, 66, and 69.

In a further embodiment, the antigen binding protein comprises at leasttwo CDRH sequences of heavy chain sequences H1, H2, H3, H4, H5, H6, H7,H8, H9, H10, H11, H12, or H13, as shown in Table 5A. In again a furtherembodiment, the antigen binding protein comprises at least two CDRLsequences of light chain sequences L1, L2, L3, L4, L5, L6, L7, L8, L9,L10, L11, L12, L13, L14, L15, L16, or L17, as shown in Table 5B. Inagain a further embodiment, the antigen binding protein comprises atleast two CDRH sequences of heavy chain sequences H1, H2, H3, H4, H5,H6, H7, H8, H9, H10, H11, H12, or H13, as shown in Table 5A, and atleast two CDRLs of light chain sequences L1, L2, L3, L4, L5, L6, L7, L8,L9, L10, L11, L12, L13, L14, L15, L16, or L17, as shown in Table 5B.

In again another embodiment, the antigen binding protein comprises theCDRH1, CDRH2, and CDRH3 sequences of heavy chain sequences H1, H2, H3,H4, H5, H6, H7, H8, H9, H10, H11, H12, or H13, as shown in Table 5A. Inyet another embodiment, the antigen binding protein comprises the CDRL1,CDRL2, and CDRL3 sequences of light chain sequences L1, L2, L3, L4, L5,L6, L7, L8, L9, L10, L11, L12, L13, L14, L15, L16, or L17, as shown inTable 5B.

In yet another embodiment, the antigen binding protein comprises all sixCDRs of L1 and H1, or L2 and H2, or L3 and H3, or L4 and H4, or L5 andH5, or L6 and H1, or L7 and H6, or L8 and H5, or L9 and H1, or L10 andH7, or L11 and H8, or L12 and H9, or L12 and H10, or L13 and H5, or L14and H11, or L15 and H12, or L16 and H13, or L17 and H13, as shown inTables 5A and 5B.

TABLE 5A Exemplary Heavy Chain Amino Acid Sequence Regions Full HeavyFull Heavy Heavy Chain Heavy Chain Chain Chain Variable Region VariableRegion CDRH1 CDRH2 CDRH3 Reference Group SEQ ID NO Group SEQ ID NO SEQID NO SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO 1E11 H1 29 V_(H)1 158 73 74 75 1H7 H2 30V_(H)2 159 76 77 78 2E7 H3 31 V_(H)3 160 79 80 81 3B6 H4 32 V_(H)4 16182 83 84 3C8 H5 33 V_(H)5 162 85 86 87 4E4 H1 29 V_(H)1 158 73 74 75 4H6H6 34 V_(H)6 163 88 89 90 5F5 H5 33 V_(H)5 162 85 86 87 9D4 H1 29 V_(H)1158 73 74 75 9F5 H7 35 V_(H)7 164 76 91 78 10E4 H8 36 V_(H)8 165 92 9394 11D11 H9 37 V_(H)9 166 76 95 78 11H9 H10  38 V_(H)10  167 76 95 7812E8 H5 33 V_(H)5 162 85 86 87 12G8 H11  39 V_(H)11  168 73 74 96 13H2H12  40 V_(H)12  169 97 98 99 32H7 H13  41 V_(H)13  170 100 101 102 32H7CS H13  41 V_(H)13  170 100 101 102 32H8 V_(H)14  171 33B5 V_(H)15  17233E4 V_(H)16  173 34E3 V_(H)17  174

TABLE 5B Exemplary Light Chain Amino Acid Sequence Regions Full LightFull Light Light Chain Light Chain Chain Chain Variable Region VariableRegion CDRL1 CDRL2 CDRL3 Reference Group SEQ ID NO Group SEQ ID NO SEQID NO SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO 1E11 L1 12  V_(L)1 137 42 43 44 1H7 L2 13 V_(L)2 138 45 46 47 2E7 L3 14  V_(L)3 139 48 49 50 3B6 L4 15  V_(L)4140 51 52 53 3C8 L5 16  V_(L)5 141 54 55 56 4E4 L6 17  V_(L)6 142 42 4344 4H6 L7 18  V_(L)7 143 57 58 59 5F5 L8 19  V_(L)8 144 60 55 56 9D4 L920  V_(L)9 145 42 43 44 9F5 L10  21 V_(L)10 146 45 61 47 10E4 L11  22V_(L)11 147 62 63 64 11D11 L12  23 V_(L)12 148 45 61 47 11H9 L12  23V_(L)12 148 45 61 47 12E8 L13  24 V_(L)13 149 65 55 56 12G8 L14  25V_(L)14 150 42 43 44 13H2 L15  26 V_(L)15 151 66 67 68 32H7 L16  27V_(L)16 152 69 70 71 32H7 CS L17  28 V_(L)17 153 69 70 72 32H8 V_(L)18154 33B5 V_(L)19 155 33E4 V_(L)20 156 34E3 V_(L)21 157

In one aspect, the isolated antigen-binding proteins provided herein canbe a monoclonal antibody, a polyclonal antibody, a recombinant antibody,a human antibody, a humanized antibody, a chimeric antibody, amultispecific antibody, or an antibody antigen binding fragment thereof.

In another embodiment, the antibody fragment of the isolatedantigen-binding proteins provided herein can be a Fab fragment, a Fab′fragment, an F(ab′)₂ fragment, an Fv fragment, a diabody, or a singlechain antibody molecule.

In a further embodiment, the isolated antigen binding protein providedherein is a human antibody and can be of the IgG1-, IgG2- IgG3- orIgG4-type.

In another embodiment, the antigen binding protein consists of a just alight or a heavy chain polypeptide as set forth in Tables 5A-5B. In someembodiments, the antigen binding protein consists just of a light chainvariable or heavy chain variable domain such as those listed in Tables5A-5B. Such antigen binding proteins can be pegylated with one or morePEG molecules.

In yet another aspect, the isolated antigen-binding protein providedherein can be coupled to a labeling group and can compete for binding tothe extracellular portion of human CGRP R with an antigen bindingprotein of one of the isolated antigen-binding proteins provided herein.In one embodiment, the isolated antigen binding protein provided hereincan reduce monocyte chemotaxis, inhibit monocyte migration into tumorsor inhibit accumulation and function of tumor associated macrophage in atumor when administered to a patient.

As will be appreciated by those in the art, for any antigen bindingprotein with more than one CDR from the depicted sequences, anycombination of CDRs independently selected from the depicted sequencesis useful. Thus, antigen binding proteins with one, two, three, four,five or six of independently selected CDRs can be generated. However, aswill be appreciated by those in the art, specific embodiments generallyutilize combinations of CDRs that are non-repetitive, e.g., antigenbinding proteins are generally not made with two CDRH2 regions, etc.

Some of the antigen binding proteins provided are discussed in moredetail below.

Antigen Binding Proteins and Binding Epitopes and Binding Domains

When an antigen binding protein is said to bind an epitope, such as oneor both components of CGRP R, or the extracellular domain of CGRP R, forexample, what is meant is that the antigen binding protein specificallybinds to a specified portion of CGRP R, which may be on CRLR, RAMP1, orspan portions of both CRLR and RAMP1. In cases where the antigen bindingprotein binds only CRLR (and not RAMP1), the antigen binding proteinwould not be expected to selectively bind CGRP R because CRLR is shared,inter alia, with AM1 and AM1 receptors. Similarly, in cases where theantigen binding protein binds only RAMP1 (and not CRLR), the antigenbinding protein would not be expected to selectively bind CGRP R becauseRAMP1 is shared, inter alia, with AMY1 receptor. In cases where theantigen binding protein interacts with both CRLR and RAMP1, the antigenbinding protein is expected to bind residues or sequences of residues,or regions in both CRLR and RAMP1. In none of the foregoing embodimentsis an antigen binding protein expected to contact every residue withinCRLR or RAMP1. Similarly, not every amino acid substitution or deletionwithin CRLR, RAMP1 or the extracellular domains thereof is expected tosignificantly affect binding affinity.

Methods detailed, e.g., in Example 10, maybe used to assess what regionsof multimeric receptors, such as CGRP R, may be involved in binding toselected antigen binding proteins.

Competing Antigen Binding Proteins

In another aspect, antigen binding proteins are provided that competewith one of the exemplified, or “reference” antibodies or functionalfragments binding to the epitope described above for specific binding toCGRP R. Such antigen binding proteins may also bind to the same epitopeas one of the herein exemplified antigen binding proteins, or anoverlapping epitope. Antigen binding proteins and fragments that competewith or bind to the same epitope as the exemplified or reference antigenbinding proteins are expected to show similar functional properties. Theexemplified antigen binding proteins and fragments include those withthe heavy and light chains, variable region domains V_(L)1-V_(L)17 andV_(H)1-V_(H)13, and CDRs included in Tables 2A, 2B, 3, 4A, 4B, 5A and5B. Thus, as a specific example, the antigen binding proteins that areprovided include those that compete with an antibody having: (a) all 6of the CDRs listed for an antibody listed in Tables 5A and 5B; (b) aV_(H) and a V_(L) selected from V_(L)1-V_(L)17 and V_(H)1-V_(H)13 andlisted for an antibody listed in Tables 5A and 5B; or (c) two lightchains and two heavy chains as specified for an antibody listed inTables 5A and 5B. Other examples of suitable reference antibodiesinclude those that have a heavy chain variable region having a sequencecorresponding to any of the sequences identified as SEQ ID NO:158-170and a light chain variable region having a sequence corresponding to anyof the sequences identified as SEQ ID NO:137-153.

Binding competition may be assessed, for example, using a binningassays, such as the Biacore assay described in Example 7, below. In thatexample, 19 antibodies described herein were tested against each of six“reference” antibodies—five neutralizing antibodies (11D11, 3B6, 4H6,12G8, and 9F5) and one non-neutralizing antibody (34E3). The assayresults, shown in Table 13, indicate that all of the tested neutralizingantibodies (1E11, 1H7, 2E7, 3B6, 3C8, 4E4, 4H6, 5F5, 9D4, 9F5, 10E4,11D11, 11H9, 12E8, 12G8, 13H2 and 32H7) bind to essentially the sameregion of CGRP R, which is distinct from the region of CGRP R that isbound by the non-neutralizing antibodies tested (32H8, 33B5, 33E4 and34E3). Based on these data, any of the neutralizing antibodies wouldmake exemplary reference antigen binding proteins in a competitionassay, particularly any of the neutralizing antibodies that wereimmobilized in the assay described in Example 7—11D11, 3B6, 4H6, 12G8,and 9F5.

Monoclonal Antibodies

The antigen binding proteins that are provided include monoclonalantibodies that bind to CGRP R. Monoclonal antibodies may be producedusing any technique known in the art, e.g., by immortalizing spleencells harvested from the transgenic animal after completion of theimmunization schedule. The spleen cells can be immortalized using anytechnique known in the art, e.g., by fusing them with myeloma cells toproduce hybridomas. Myeloma cells for use in hybridoma-producing fusionprocedures preferably are non-antibody-producing, have high fusionefficiency, and enzyme deficiencies that render them incapable ofgrowing in certain selective media which support the growth of only thedesired fused cells (hybridomas). Examples of suitable cell lines foruse in mouse fusions include Sp-20, P3-X63/Ag8, P3-X63-Ag8.653, NS1/1.Ag4 1, Sp210-Ag14, FO, NSO/U, MPC-11, MPC11-X45-GTG 1.7 and S194/5XXO Bul;examples of cell lines used in rat fusions include R210.RCY3, Y3-Ag1.2.3, IR983F and 4B210. Other cell lines useful for cell fusions areU-266, GM1500-GRG2, LICR-LON-HMy2 and UC729-6. An exemplary method ofpreparing monoclonal antibodies is described in Example 2, below.

In some instances, a hybridoma cell line is produced by immunizing ananimal (e.g., a transgenic animal having human immunoglobulin sequences)with a CGRP R immunogen; harvesting spleen cells from the immunizedanimal; fusing the harvested spleen cells to a myeloma cell line,thereby generating hybridoma cells; establishing hybridoma cell linesfrom the hybridoma cells, and identifying a hybridoma cell line thatproduces an antibody that binds CGRP R (e.g., as described in Examples1-3, below). Such hybridoma cell lines, and anti-CGRP R monoclonalantibodies produced by them, are aspects of the present application.

Monoclonal antibodies secreted by a hybridoma cell line can be purifiedusing any technique known in the art. Hybridomas or mAbs may be furtherscreened to identify mAbs with particular properties, such as theability to bind cells expressing CGRP, ability to block or interfere thebinding of the CGRP ligand or CGRP₈₋₃₇ peptide, or the ability tofunctionally block the receptor, e.g., using a cAMP assay, e.g., asdescribed below.

Chimeric and Humanized Antibodies

Chimeric and humanized antibodies based upon the foregoing sequences arealso provided. Monoclonal antibodies for use as therapeutic agents maybe modified in various ways prior to use. One example is a chimericantibody, which is an antibody composed of protein segments fromdifferent antibodies that are covalently joined to produce functionalimmunoglobulin light or heavy chains or immunologically functionalportions thereof. Generally, a portion of the heavy chain and/or lightchain is identical with or homologous to a corresponding sequence inantibodies derived from a particular species or belonging to aparticular antibody class or subclass, while the remainder of thechain(s) is/are identical with or homologous to a corresponding sequencein antibodies derived from another species or belonging to anotherantibody class or subclass. For methods relating to chimeric antibodies,see, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,816,567; and Morrison et al., 1985,Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 81:6851-6855, which are hereby incorporatedby reference. CDR grafting is described, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos.6,180,370, 5,693,762, 5,693,761, 5,585,089, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,530,101.

Generally, the goal of making a chimeric antibody is to create a chimerain which the number of amino acids from the intended patient species ismaximized. One example is the “CDR-grafted” antibody, in which theantibody comprises one or more complementarity determining regions(CDRs) from a particular species or belonging to a particular antibodyclass or subclass, while the remainder of the antibody chain(s) is/areidentical with or homologous to a corresponding sequence in antibodiesderived from another species or belonging to another antibody class orsubclass. For use in humans, the variable region or selected CDRs from arodent antibody often are grafted into a human antibody, replacing thenaturally-occurring variable regions or CDRs of the human antibody.

One useful type of chimeric antibody is a “humanized” antibody.Generally, a humanized antibody is produced from a monoclonal antibodyraised initially in a non-human animal. Certain amino acid residues inthis monoclonal antibody, typically from non-antigen recognizingportions of the antibody, are modified to be homologous to correspondingresidues in a human antibody of corresponding isotype. Humanization canbe performed, for example, using various methods by substituting atleast a portion of a rodent variable region for the correspondingregions of a human antibody (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,585,089, and5,693,762; Jones et al., 1986, Nature 321:522-525; Riechmann et al.,1988, Nature 332:323-27; Verhoeyen et al., 1988, Science 239:1534-1536),

In one aspect, the CDRs of the light and heavy chain variable regions ofthe antibodies provided herein (see, Table 4) are grafted to frameworkregions (FRs) from antibodies from the same, or a different,phylogenetic species. For example, the CDRs of the heavy and light chainvariable regions V_(H)1, V_(H)2, V_(H)3, V_(H)4, V_(H)5, V_(H)6, V_(H)7,V_(H)8, V_(H)9, V_(H)10, V_(H)11, V_(H)12, and V_(H)13, and/or V_(L)1,V_(L)2, V_(L)3, V_(L)4, V_(L)5, V_(L)6, V_(L)7, V_(L)8, V_(L)9, V_(L)10,V_(L)11, V_(L)12, V_(L)13, V_(L)14, V_(L)15, V_(L)16, and V_(L)17 can begrafted to consensus human FRs. To create consensus human FRs, FRs fromseveral human heavy chain or light chain amino acid sequences may bealigned to identify a consensus amino acid sequence. In otherembodiments, the FRs of a heavy chain or light chain disclosed hereinare replaced with the FRs from a different heavy chain or light chain.In one aspect, rare amino acids in the FRs of the heavy and light chainsof anti-CGRP R antibody are not replaced, while the rest of the FR aminoacids are replaced. A “rare amino acid” is a specific amino acid that isin a position in which this particular amino acid is not usually foundin an FR. Alternatively, the grafted variable regions from the one heavyor light chain may be used with a constant region that is different fromthe constant region of that particular heavy or light chain as disclosedherein. In other embodiments, the grafted variable regions are part of asingle chain Fv antibody.

In certain embodiments, constant regions from species other than humancan be used along with the human variable region(s) to produce hybridantibodies.

Fully Human Antibodies

Fully human antibodies are also provided. Methods are available formaking fully human antibodies specific for a given antigen withoutexposing human beings to the antigen (“fully human antibodies”). Onespecific means provided for implementing the production of fully humanantibodies is the “humanization” of the mouse humoral immune system.Introduction of human immunoglobulin (Ig) loci into mice in which theendogenous Ig genes have been inactivated is one means of producingfully human monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) in mouse, an animal that can beimmunized with any desirable antigen. Using fully human antibodies canminimize the immunogenic and allergic responses that can sometimes becaused by administering mouse or mouse-derived mAbs to humans astherapeutic agents.

Fully human antibodies can be produced by immunizing transgenic animals(usually mice) that are capable of producing a repertoire of humanantibodies in the absence of endogenous immunoglobulin production.Antigens for this purpose typically have six or more contiguous aminoacids, and optionally are conjugated to a carrier, such as a hapten.See, e.g., Jakobovits et al., 1993, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA90:2551-2555; Jakobovits et al., 1993, Nature 362:255-258; andBruggermann et al., 1993, Year in Immunol. 7:33. In one example of sucha method, transgenic animals are produced by incapacitating theendogenous mouse immunoglobulin loci encoding the mouse heavy and lightimmunoglobulin chains therein, and inserting into the mouse genome largefragments of human genome DNA containing loci that encode human heavyand light chain proteins. Partially modified animals, which have lessthan the full complement of human immunoglobulin loci, are thencross-bred to obtain an animal having all of the desired immune systemmodifications. When administered an immunogen, these transgenic animalsproduce antibodies that are immunospecific for the immunogen but havehuman rather than murine amino acid sequences, including the variableregions. For further details of such methods, see, for example,WO96/33735 and WO94/02602. Additional methods relating to transgenicmice for making human antibodies are described in U.S. Pat. Nos.5,545,807; 6,713,610; 6,673,986; 6,162,963; 5,545,807; 6,300,129;6,255,458; 5,877,397; 5,874,299 and 5,545,806; in PCT publicationsWO91/10741, WO90/04036, and in EP 546073B1 and EP 546073A1.

The transgenic mice described above, referred to herein as “HuMab” mice,contain a human immunoglobulin gene minilocus that encodes unrearrangedhuman heavy ([mu] and [gamma]) and [kappa] light chain immunoglobulinsequences, together with targeted mutations that inactivate theendogenous [mu] and [kappa] chain loci (Lonberg et al., 1994, Nature368:856-859). Accordingly, the mice exhibit reduced expression of mouseIgM or [kappa] and in response to immunization, and the introduced humanheavy and light chain transgenes undergo class switching and somaticmutation to generate high affinity human IgG [kappa] monoclonalantibodies (Lonberg et al., supra.; Lonberg and Huszar, 1995, Intern.Rev. Immunol. 13: 65-93; Harding and Lonberg, 1995, Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci.764:536-546). The preparation of HuMab mice is described in detail inTaylor et al., 1992, Nucleic Acids Research 20:6287-6295; Chen et al.,1993, International Immunology 5:647-656; Tuaillon et al., 1994, J.Immunol. 152:2912-2920; Lonberg et al., 1994, Nature 368:856-859;Lonberg, 1994, Handbook of Exp. Pharmacology 113:49-101; Taylor et al.,1994, International Immunology 6:579-591; Lonberg and Huszar, 1995,Intern. Rev. Immunol. 13:65-93; Harding and Lonberg, 1995, Ann. N.YAcad. Sci. 764:536-546; Fishwild et al., 1996, Nature Biotechnology14:845-851; the foregoing references are hereby incorporated byreference in their entirety for all purposes. See, further U.S. Pat.Nos. 5,545,806; 5,569,825; 5,625,126; 5,633,425; 5,789,650; 5,877,397;5,661,016; 5,814,318; 5,874,299; and 5,770,429; as well as U.S. Pat. No.5,545,807; International Publication Nos. WO 93/1227; WO 92/22646; andWO 92/03918, the disclosures of all of which are hereby incorporated byreference in their entirety for all purposes. Technologies utilized forproducing human antibodies in these transgenic mice are disclosed alsoin WO 98/24893, and Mendez et al., 1997, Nature Genetics 15:146-156,which are hereby incorporated by reference. For example, the HCo7 andHCo12 transgenic mice strains can be used to generate anti-CGRP Rantibodies. Further details regarding the production of human antibodiesusing transgenic mice are provided in the examples below.

Using hybridoma technology, antigen-specific human mAbs with the desiredspecificity can be produced and selected from the transgenic mice suchas those described above. Such antibodies may be cloned and expressedusing a suitable vector and host cell, or the antibodies can beharvested from cultured hybridoma cells.

Fully human antibodies can also be derived from phage-display libraries(as disclosed in Hoogenboom et al., 1991, J. Mol. Biol. 227:381; andMarks et al., 1991, J. Mol. Biol. 222:581). Phage display techniquesmimic immune selection through the display of antibody repertoires onthe surface of filamentous bacteriophage, and subsequent selection ofphage by their binding to an antigen of choice. One such technique isdescribed in PCT Publication No. WO 99/10494 (hereby incorporated byreference), which describes the isolation of high affinity andfunctional agonistic antibodies for MPL- and msk-receptors using such anapproach.

Bispecific or Bifunctional Antigen Binding Proteins

The antigen binding proteins that are provided also include bispecificand bifunctional antibodies that include one or more CDRs or one or morevariable regions as described above. A bispecific or bifunctionalantibody in some instances is an artificial hybrid antibody having twodifferent heavy/light chain pairs and two different binding sites.Bispecific antibodies may be produced by a variety of methods including,but not limited to, fusion of hybridomas or linking of Fab′ fragments.See, e.g., Songsivilai and Lachmann, 1990, Clin. Exp. Immunol.79:315-321; Kostelny et al., 1992, J. Immunol. 148:1547-1553.

Various Other Forms

Some of the antigen binding proteins that are provided are variant formsof the antigen binding proteins disclosed above (e.g., those having thesequences listed in Tables 2-5). For instance, some of the antigenbinding proteins have one or more conservative amino acid substitutionsin one or more of the heavy or light chains, variable regions or CDRslisted in Tables 2-5.

Naturally-occurring amino acids may be divided into classes based oncommon side chain properties:

1) hydrophobic: norleucine, Met, Ala, Val, Leu, Ile;

2) neutral hydrophilic: Cys, Ser, Thr, Asn, Gln;

3) acidic: Asp, Glu;

4) basic: His, Lys, Arg;

5) residues that influence chain orientation: Gly, Pro; and

6) aromatic: Trp, Tyr, Phe.

Conservative amino acid substitutions may involve exchange of a memberof one of these classes with another member of the same class.Conservative amino acid substitutions may encompass non-naturallyoccurring amino acid residues, which are typically incorporated bychemical peptide synthesis rather than by synthesis in biologicalsystems. These include peptidomimetics and other reversed or invertedforms of amino acid moieties.

Non-conservative substitutions may involve the exchange of a member ofone of the above classes for a member from another class. Suchsubstituted residues may be introduced into regions of the antibody thatare homologous with human antibodies, or into the non-homologous regionsof the molecule.

In making such changes, according to certain embodiments, thehydropathic index of amino acids may be considered. The hydropathicprofile of a protein is calculated by assigning each amino acid anumerical value (“hydropathy index”) and then repetitively averagingthese values along the peptide chain. Each amino acid has been assigneda hydropathic index on the basis of its hydrophobicity and chargecharacteristics. They are: isoleucine (+4.5); valine (+4.2); leucine(+3.8); phenylalanine (+2.8); cysteine/cystine (+2.5); methionine(+1.9); alanine (+1.8); glycine (−0.4); threonine (−0.7); serine (−0.8);tryptophan (−0.9); tyrosine (−1.3); proline (−1.6); histidine (−3.2);glutamate (−3.5); glutamine (−3.5); aspartate (−3.5); asparagine (−3.5);lysine (−3.9); and arginine (−4.5).

The importance of the hydropathic profile in conferring interactivebiological function on a protein is understood in the art (see, e.g.,Kyte et al., 1982, J. Mol. Biol. 157:105-131). It is known that certainamino acids may be substituted for other amino acids having a similarhydropathic index or score and still retain a similar biologicalactivity. In making changes based upon the hydropathic index, in certainembodiments, the substitution of amino acids whose hydropathic indicesare within ±2 is included. In some aspects, those which are within ±1are included, and in other aspects, those within ±0.5 are included.

It is also understood in the art that the substitution of like aminoacids can be made effectively on the basis of hydrophilicity,particularly where the biologically functional protein or peptidethereby created is intended for use in immunological embodiments, as inthe present case. In certain embodiments, the greatest local averagehydrophilicity of a protein, as governed by the hydrophilicity of itsadjacent amino acids, correlates with its immunogenicity andantigen-binding or immunogenicity, that is, with a biological propertyof the protein.

The following hydrophilicity values have been assigned to these aminoacid residues: arginine (+3.0); lysine (+3.0); aspartate (+3.0±1);glutamate (+3.0±1); serine (+0.3); asparagine (+0.2); glutamine (+0.2);glycine (0); threonine (−0.4); proline (−0.5±1); alanine (−0.5);histidine (−0.5); cysteine (−1.0); methionine (−1.3); valine (−1.5);leucine (−1.8); isoleucine (−1.8); tyrosine (−2.3); phenylalanine (−2.5)and tryptophan (−3.4). In making changes based upon similarhydrophilicity values, in certain embodiments, the substitution of aminoacids whose hydrophilicity values are within ±2 is included, in otherembodiments, those which are within ±1 are included, and in still otherembodiments, those within ±0.5 are included. In some instances, one mayalso identify epitopes from primary amino acid sequences on the basis ofhydrophilicity. These regions are also referred to as “epitopic coreregions.”

Exemplary conservative amino acid substitutions are set forth in Table6.

TABLE 6 Conservative Amino Acid Substitutions Original Residue ExemplarySubstitutions Ala Ser Arg Lys Asn Gln, His Asp Glu Cys Ser Gln Asn GluAsp Gly Pro His Asn, Gln Ile Leu, Val Leu Ile, Val Lys Arg, Gln, Glu MetLeu, Ile Phe Met, Leu, Tyr Ser Thr Thr Ser Trp Tyr Tyr Trp, Phe Val Ile,Leu

A skilled artisan will be able to determine suitable variants ofpolypeptides as set forth herein using well-known techniques. Oneskilled in the art may identify suitable areas of the molecule that maybe changed without destroying activity by targeting regions not believedto be important for activity. The skilled artisan also will be able toidentify residues and portions of the molecules that are conserved amongsimilar polypeptides. In further embodiments, even areas that may beimportant for biological activity or for structure may be subject toconservative amino acid substitutions without destroying the biologicalactivity or without adversely affecting the polypeptide structure.

Additionally, one skilled in the art can review structure-functionstudies identifying residues in similar polypeptides that are importantfor activity or structure. In view of such a comparison, one can predictthe importance of amino acid residues in a protein that correspond toamino acid residues important for activity or structure in similarproteins. One skilled in the art may opt for chemically similar aminoacid substitutions for such predicted important amino acid residues.

One skilled in the art can also analyze the 3-dimensional structure andamino acid sequence in relation to that structure in similarpolypeptides. In view of such information, one skilled in the art maypredict the alignment of amino acid residues of an antibody with respectto its three dimensional structure. One skilled in the art may choosenot to make radical changes to amino acid residues predicted to be onthe surface of the protein, since such residues may be involved inimportant interactions with other molecules. Moreover, one skilled inthe art may generate test variants containing a single amino acidsubstitution at each desired amino acid residue. These variants can thenbe screened using assays for CGRP R neutralizing activity, (see examplesbelow) thus yielding information regarding which amino acids can bechanged and which must not be changed. In other words, based oninformation gathered from such routine experiments, one skilled in theart can readily determine the amino acid positions where furthersubstitutions should be avoided either alone or in combination withother mutations.

A number of scientific publications have been devoted to the predictionof secondary structure. See, Moult, 1996, Curr. Op. in Biotech.7:422-427; Chou et al., 1974, Biochem. 13:222-245; Chou et al., 1974,Biochemistry 113:211-222; Chou et al., 1978, Adv. Enzymol. Relat. AreasMol. Biol. 47:45-148; Chou et al., 1979, Ann. Rev. Biochem. 47:251-276;and Chou et al., 1979, Biophys. J. 26:367-384. Moreover, computerprograms are currently available to assist with predicting secondarystructure. One method of predicting secondary structure is based uponhomology modeling. For example, two polypeptides or proteins that have asequence identity of greater than 30%, or similarity greater than 40%can have similar structural topologies. The recent growth of the proteinstructural database (PDB) has provided enhanced predictability ofsecondary structure, including the potential number of folds within apolypeptide's or protein's structure. See, Holm et al., 1999, Nucl.Acid. Res. 27:244-247. It has been suggested (Brenner et al., 1997,Curr. Op. Struct. Biol. 7:369-376) that there are a limited number offolds in a given polypeptide or protein and that once a critical numberof structures have been resolved, structural prediction will becomedramatically more accurate.

Additional methods of predicting secondary structure include “threading”(Jones, 1997, Curr. Opin. Struct. Biol. 7:377-387; Sippl et al., 1996,Structure 4:15-19), “profile analysis” (Bowie et al., 1991, Science253:164-170; Gribskov et al., 1990, Meth. Enzym. 183:146-159; Gribskovet al., 1987, Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. 84:4355-4358), and “evolutionarylinkage” (See, Holm, 1999, supra; and Brenner, 1997, supra).

In some embodiments, amino acid substitutions are made that: (1) reducesusceptibility to proteolysis, (2) reduce susceptibility to oxidation,(3) alter binding affinity for forming protein complexes, (4) alterligand or antigen binding affinities, and/or (4) confer or modify otherphysicochemical or functional properties on such polypeptides. Forexample, single or multiple amino acid substitutions (in certainembodiments, conservative amino acid substitutions) may be made in thenaturally-occurring sequence. Substitutions can be made in that portionof the antibody that lies outside the domain(s) forming intermolecularcontacts). In such embodiments, conservative amino acid substitutionscan be used that do not substantially change the structuralcharacteristics of the parent sequence (e.g., one or more replacementamino acids that do not disrupt the secondary structure thatcharacterizes the parent or native antigen binding protein). Examples ofart-recognized polypeptide secondary and tertiary structures aredescribed in Proteins, Structures and Molecular Principles (Creighton,Ed.), 1984, W. H. New York: Freeman and Company; Introduction to ProteinStructure (Branden and Tooze, eds.), 1991, New York: Garland Publishing;and Thornton et al., 1991, Nature 354:105, which are each incorporatedherein by reference.

Additional preferred antibody variants include cysteine variants whereinone or more cysteine residues in the parent or native amino acidsequence are deleted from or substituted with another amino acid (e.g.,serine). Cysteine variants are useful, inter alia when antibodies mustbe refolded into a biologically active conformation. Cysteine variantsmay have fewer cysteine residues than the native antibody, and typicallyhave an even number to minimize interactions resulting from unpairedcysteines.

The heavy and light chains, variable regions domains and CDRs that aredisclosed can be used to prepare polypeptides that contain an antigenbinding region that can specifically bind to CGRP R. For example, one ormore of the CDRs listed in Tables 4 and 5 can be incorporated into amolecule (e.g., a polypeptide) covalently or noncovalently to make animmunoadhesion. An immunoadhesion may incorporate the CDR(s) as part ofa larger polypeptide chain, may covalently link the CDR(s) to anotherpolypeptide chain, or may incorporate the CDR(s) noncovalently. TheCDR(s) enable the immunoadhesion to bind specifically to a particularantigen of interest (e.g., CGRP R or epitope thereof).

Mimetics (e.g., “peptide mimetics” or “peptidomimetics”) based upon thevariable region domains and CDRs that are described herein are alsoprovided. These analogs can be peptides, non-peptides or combinations ofpeptide and non-peptide regions. Fauchere, 1986, Adv. Drug Res. 15:29;Veber and Freidinger, 1985, TINS p. 392; and Evans et al., 1987, J. Med.Chem. 30:1229, which are incorporated herein by reference for anypurpose. Peptide mimetics that are structurally similar totherapeutically useful peptides may be used to produce a similartherapeutic or prophylactic effect. Such compounds are often developedwith the aid of computerized molecular modeling. Generally,peptidomimetics are proteins that are structurally similar to anantibody displaying a desired biological activity, such as here theability to specifically bind CGRP R, but have one or more peptidelinkages optionally replaced by a linkage selected from: —CH₂NH—,—CH₂S—, —CH₂—CH₂—, —CH—CH-(cis and trans), —COCH₂—, —CH(OH)CH₂—, and—CH₂SO—, by methods well known in the art. Systematic substitution ofone or more amino acids of a consensus sequence with a D-amino acid ofthe same type (e.g., D-lysine in place of L-lysine) may be used incertain embodiments to generate more stable proteins. In addition,constrained peptides comprising a consensus sequence or a substantiallyidentical consensus sequence variation may be generated by methods knownin the art (Rizo and Gierasch, 1992, Ann. Rev. Biochem. 61:387),incorporated herein by reference), for example, by adding internalcysteine residues capable of forming intramolecular disulfide bridgeswhich cyclize the peptide.

Derivatives of the antigen binding proteins that are described hereinare also provided. The derivatized antigen binding proteins can compriseany molecule or substance that imparts a desired property to theantibody or fragment, such as increased half-life in a particular use.The derivatized antigen binding protein can comprise, for example, adetectable (or labeling) moiety (e.g., a radioactive, colorimetric,antigenic or enzymatic molecule, a detectable bead (such as a magneticor electrodense (e.g., gold) bead), or a molecule that binds to anothermolecule (e.g., biotin or streptavidin)), a therapeutic or diagnosticmoiety (e.g., a radioactive, cytotoxic, or pharmaceutically activemoiety), or a molecule that increases the suitability of the antigenbinding protein for a particular use (e.g., administration to a subject,such as a human subject, or other in vivo or in vitro uses). Examples ofmolecules that can be used to derivatize an antigen binding proteininclude albumin (e.g., human serum albumin) and polyethylene glycol(PEG). Albumin-linked and PEGylated derivatives of antigen bindingproteins can be prepared using techniques well known in the art. Certainantigen binding proteins include a pegylated single chain polypeptide asdescribed herein. In one embodiment, the antigen binding protein isconjugated or otherwise linked to transthyretin (TTR) or a TTR variant.The TTR or TTR variant can be chemically modified with, for example, achemical selected from the group consisting of dextran, poly(n-vinylpyrrolidone), polyethylene glycols, propropylene glycol homopolymers,polypropylene oxide/ethylene oxide co-polymers, polyoxyethylated polyolsand polyvinyl alcohols.

Other derivatives include covalent or aggregative conjugates of CGRP Rbinding proteins with other proteins or polypeptides, such as byexpression of recombinant fusion proteins comprising heterologouspolypeptides fused to the N-terminus or C-terminus of a CGRP R bindingprotein. For example, the conjugated peptide may be a heterologoussignal (or leader) polypeptide, e.g., the yeast alpha-factor leader, ora peptide such as an epitope tag. CGRP antigen bindingprotein-containing fusion proteins can comprise peptides added tofacilitate purification or identification of the CGRP R binding protein(e.g., poly-His). A CGRP R binding protein also can be linked to theFLAG peptide as described in Hopp et al., 1988, Bio/Technology 6:1204;and U.S. Pat. No. 5,011,912. The FLAG peptide is highly antigenic andprovides an epitope reversibly bound by a specific monoclonal antibody(mAb), enabling rapid assay and facile purification of expressedrecombinant protein. Reagents useful for preparing fusion proteins inwhich the FLAG peptide is fused to a given polypeptide are commerciallyavailable (Sigma, St. Louis, Mo.).

Oligomers that contain one or more CGRP R binding proteins may beemployed as CGRP R antagonists. Oligomers may be in the form ofcovalently-linked or non-covalently-linked dimers, trimers, or higheroligomers. Oligomers comprising two or more CGRP R binding proteins arecontemplated for use, with one example being a homodimer. Otheroligomers include heterodimers, homotrimers, heterotrimers,homotetramers, heterotetramers, etc.

One embodiment is directed to oligomers comprising multiple CGRPR-binding polypeptides joined via covalent or non-covalent interactionsbetween peptide moieties fused to the CGRP R binding proteins. Suchpeptides may be peptide linkers (spacers), or peptides that have theproperty of promoting oligomerization. Leucine zippers and certainpolypeptides derived from antibodies are among the peptides that canpromote oligomerization of CGRP R binding proteins attached thereto, asdescribed in more detail below.

In particular embodiments, the oligomers comprise from two to four CGRPR binding proteins. The CGRP R binding protein moieties of the oligomermay be in any of the forms described above, e.g., variants or fragments.Preferably, the oligomers comprise CGRP R binding proteins that haveCGRP R binding activity.

In one embodiment, an oligomer is prepared using polypeptides derivedfrom immunoglobulins. Preparation of fusion proteins comprising certainheterologous polypeptides fused to various portions of antibody-derivedpolypeptides (including the Fc domain) has been described, e.g., byAshkenazi et al., 1991, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 88:10535; Byrn etal., 1990, Nature 344:677; and Hollenbaugh et al., 1992 “Construction ofImmunoglobulin Fusion Proteins”, in Current Protocols in Immunology,Suppl. 4, pages 10.19.1-10.19.11.

One embodiment is directed to a dimer comprising two fusion proteinscreated by fusing a CGRP R binding protein to the Fc region of anantibody. The dimer can be made by, for example, inserting a gene fusionencoding the fusion protein into an appropriate expression vector,expressing the gene fusion in host cells transformed with therecombinant expression vector, and allowing the expressed fusion proteinto assemble much like antibody molecules, whereupon interchain disulfidebonds form between the Fc moieties to yield the dimer.

The term “Fc polypeptide” as used herein includes native and muteinforms of polypeptides derived from the Fc region of an antibody.Truncated forms of such polypeptides containing the hinge region thatpromotes dimerization also are included. Fusion proteins comprising Fcmoieties (and oligomers formed therefrom) offer the advantage of facilepurification by affinity chromatography over Protein A or Protein Gcolumns.

One suitable Fc polypeptide, described in PCT application WO 93/10151and U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,426,048 and 5,262,522, is a single chainpolypeptide extending from the N-terminal hinge region to the nativeC-terminus of the Fc region of a human IgG1 antibody. Another useful Fcpolypeptide is the Fc mutein described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,457,035, andin Baum et al., 1994, EMBO J. 13:3992-4001. The amino acid sequence ofthis mutein is identical to that of the native Fc sequence presented inWO 93/10151, except that amino acid 19 has been changed from Leu to Ala,amino acid 20 has been changed from Leu to Glu, and amino acid 22 hasbeen changed from Gly to Ala. The mutein exhibits reduced affinity forFc receptors.

In other embodiments, the variable portion of the heavy and/or lightchains of a CGRP R binding protein such as disclosed herein may besubstituted for the variable portion of an antibody heavy and/or lightchain.

Alternatively, the oligomer is a fusion protein comprising multiple CGRPR binding proteins, with or without peptide linkers (spacer peptides).Among the suitable peptide linkers are those described in U.S. Pat. Nos.4,751,180 and 4,935,233.

Another method for preparing oligomeric CGRP R binding proteinderivatives involves use of a leucine zipper. Leucine zipper domains arepeptides that promote oligomerization of the proteins in which they arefound. Leucine zippers were originally identified in several DNA-bindingproteins (Landschulz et al., 1988, Science 240:1759), and have sincebeen found in a variety of different proteins. Among the known leucinezippers are naturally occurring peptides and derivatives thereof thatdimerize or trimerize. Examples of leucine zipper domains suitable forproducing soluble oligomeric proteins are described in PCT applicationWO 94/10308, and the leucine zipper derived from lung surfactant proteinD (SPD) described in Hoppe et al., 1994, FEBS Letters 344:191, herebyincorporated by reference. The use of a modified leucine zipper thatallows for stable trimerization of a heterologous protein fused theretois described in Fanslow et al., 1994, Semin. Immunol. 6:267-278. In oneapproach, recombinant fusion proteins comprising a CGRP R bindingprotein fragment or derivative fused to a leucine zipper peptide areexpressed in suitable host cells, and the soluble oligomeric CGRP Rbinding protein fragments or derivatives that form are recovered fromthe culture supernatant.

In certain embodiments, the antigen binding protein has a K_(D)(equilibrium binding affinity) of less than 1 pM, 10 pM, 100 pM, 1 nM, 2nM, 5 nM, 10 nM, 25 nM or 50 nM.

Another aspect provides an antigen-binding protein having a half-life ofat least one day in vitro or in vivo (e.g., when administered to a humansubject). In one embodiment, the antigen binding protein has a half-lifeof at least three days. In another embodiment, the antibody or portionthereof has a half-life of four days or longer. In another embodiment,the antibody or portion thereof has a half-life of eight days or longer.In another embodiment, the antibody or antigen-binding portion thereofis derivatized or modified such that it has a longer half-life ascompared to the underivatized or unmodified antibody. In anotherembodiment, the antigen binding protein contains point mutations toincrease serum half life, such as described in WO 00/09560, publishedFeb. 24, 2000, incorporated by reference.

Glycosylation

The antigen-binding protein may have a glycosylation pattern that isdifferent or altered from that found in the native species. As is knownin the art, glycosylation patterns can depend on both the sequence ofthe protein (e.g., the presence or absence of particular glycosylationamino acid residues, discussed below), or the host cell or organism inwhich the protein is produced. Particular expression systems arediscussed below.

Glycosylation of polypeptides is typically either N-linked or O-linked.N-linked refers to the attachment of the carbohydrate moiety to the sidechain of an asparagine residue. The tri-peptide sequencesasparagine-X-serine and asparagine-X-threonine, where X is any aminoacid except proline, are the recognition sequences for enzymaticattachment of the carbohydrate moiety to the asparagine side chain.Thus, the presence of either of these tri-peptide sequences in apolypeptide creates a potential glycosylation site. O-linkedglycosylation refers to the attachment of one of the sugarsN-acetylgalactosamine, galactose, or xylose, to a hydroxyamino acid,most commonly serine or threonine, although 5-hydroxyproline or5-hydroxylysine may also be used.

Addition of glycosylation sites to the antigen binding protein isconveniently accomplished by altering the amino acid sequence such thatit contains one or more of the above-described tri-peptide sequences(for N-linked glycosylation sites). The alteration may also be made bythe addition of, or substitution by, one or more serine or threonineresidues to the starting sequence (for O-linked glycosylation sites).For ease, the antigen binding protein amino acid sequence may be alteredthrough changes at the DNA level, particularly by mutating the DNAencoding the target polypeptide at preselected bases such that codonsare generated that will translate into the desired amino acids.

Another means of increasing the number of carbohydrate moieties on theantigen binding protein is by chemical or enzymatic coupling ofglycosides to the protein. These procedures are advantageous in thatthey do not require production of the protein in a host cell that hasglycosylation capabilities for N- and O-linked glycosylation. Dependingon the coupling mode used, the sugar(s) may be attached to (a) arginineand histidine, (b) free carboxyl groups, (c) free sulfhydryl groups suchas those of cysteine, (d) free hydroxyl groups such as those of serine,threonine, or hydroxyproline, (e) aromatic residues such as those ofphenylalanine, tyrosine, or tryptophan, or (f) the amide group ofglutamine. These methods are described in WO 87/05330 published Sep. 11,1987, and in Aplin and Wriston, 1981, CRC Crit. Rev, Biochem., pp.259-306.

Removal of carbohydrate moieties present on the starting antigen bindingprotein may be accomplished chemically or enzymatically. Chemicaldeglycosylation requires exposure of the protein to the compoundtrifluoromethanesulfonic acid, or an equivalent compound. This treatmentresults in the cleavage of most or all sugars except the linking sugar(N-acetylglucosamine or N-acetylgalactosamine), while leaving thepolypeptide intact. Chemical deglycosylation is described by Hakimuddinet al., 1987, Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 259:52 and by Edge et al., 1981,Anal. Biochem. 118:131. Enzymatic cleavage of carbohydrate moieties onpolypeptides can be achieved by the use of a variety of endo- andexo-glycosidases as described by Thotakura et al., 1987, Meth. Enzymol.138:350. Glycosylation at potential glycosylation sites may be preventedby the use of the compound tunicamycin as described by Duskin et al.,1982, J. Biol. Chem. 257:3105. Tunicamycin blocks the formation ofprotein-N-glycoside linkages.

Hence, aspects include glycosylation variants of the antigen bindingproteins wherein the number and/or type of glycosylation site(s) hasbeen altered compared to the amino acid sequences of the parentpolypeptide. In certain embodiments, antibody protein variants comprisea greater or a lesser number of N-linked glycosylation sites than thenative antibody. An N-linked glycosylation site is characterized by thesequence: Asn-X-Ser or Asn-X-Thr, wherein the amino acid residuedesignated as X may be any amino acid residue except proline. Thesubstitution of amino acid residues to create this sequence provides apotential new site for the addition of an N-linked carbohydrate chain.Alternatively, substitutions that eliminate or alter this sequence willprevent addition of an N-linked carbohydrate chain present in the nativepolypeptide. For example, the glycosylation can be reduced by thedeletion of an Asn or by substituting the Asn with a different aminoacid. In other embodiments, one or more new N-linked sites are created.Antibodies typically have a N-linked glycosylation site in the Fcregion.

Labels and Effector Groups

In some embodiments, the antigen-binding comprises one or more labels.The term “labeling group” or “label” means any detectable label.Examples of suitable labeling groups include, but are not limited to,the following: radioisotopes or radionuclides (e.g., ³H, ¹⁴C, ¹⁵N, ³⁵S,⁹⁰Y, ⁹⁹Tc, ¹¹¹In, ¹²⁵I, ¹³¹I), fluorescent groups (e.g., FITC,rhodamine, lanthanide phosphors), enzymatic groups (e.g., horseradishperoxidase, β-galactosidase, luciferase, alkaline phosphatase),chemiluminescent groups, biotinyl groups, or predetermined polypeptideepitopes recognized by a secondary reporter (e.g., leucine zipper pairsequences, binding sites for secondary antibodies, metal bindingdomains, epitope tags). In some embodiments, the labeling group iscoupled to the antigen binding protein via spacer arms of variouslengths to reduce potential steric hindrance. Various methods forlabeling proteins are known in the art and may be used as is seen fit.

The term “effector group” means any group coupled to an antigen bindingprotein that acts as a cytotoxic agent. Examples for suitable effectorgroups are radioisotopes or radionuclides (e.g. ³H, ¹⁴C, ¹⁵N, ³⁵S, ⁹⁰Y,⁹⁹Tc, ¹¹¹In, ¹²⁵I, ¹³¹I). Other suitable groups include toxins,therapeutic groups, or chemotherapeutic groups. Examples of suitablegroups include calicheamicin, auristatins, geldanamycin and maytansine.In some embodiments, the effector group is coupled to the antigenbinding protein via spacer arms of various lengths to reduce potentialsteric hindrance.

In general, labels fall into a variety of classes, depending on theassay in which they are to be detected: a) isotopic labels, which may beradioactive or heavy isotopes; b) magnetic labels (e.g., magneticparticles); c) redox active moieties; d) optical dyes; enzymatic groups(e.g. horseradish peroxidase, β-galactosidase, luciferase, alkalinephosphatase); e) biotinylated groups; and f) predetermined polypeptideepitopes recognized by a secondary reporter (e.g., leucine zipper pairsequences, binding sites for secondary antibodies, metal bindingdomains, epitope tags, etc.). In some embodiments, the labeling group iscoupled to the antigen binding protein via spacer arms of variouslengths to reduce potential steric hindrance. Various methods forlabeling proteins are known in the art.

Specific labels include optical dyes, including, but not limited to,chromophores, phosphors and fluorophores, with the latter being specificin many instances. Fluorophores can be either “small molecule” fluores,or proteinaceous fluores.

By “fluorescent label” is meant any molecule that may be detected viaits inherent fluorescent properties. Suitable fluorescent labelsinclude, but are not limited to, fluorescein, rhodamine,tetramethylrhodamine, eosin, erythrosin, coumarin, methyl-coumarins,pyrene, Malacite green, stilbene, Lucifer Yellow, Cascade BlueJ, TexasRed, IAEDANS, EDANS, BODIPY FL, LC Red 640, Cy 5, Cy 5.5, LC Red 705,Oregon green, the Alexa-Fluor dyes (Alexa Fluor 350, Alexa Fluor 430,Alexa Fluor 488, Alexa Fluor 546, Alexa Fluor 568, Alexa Fluor 594,Alexa Fluor 633, Alexa Fluor 647, Alexa Fluor 660, Alexa Fluor 680),Cascade Blue, Cascade Yellow and R-phycoerythrin (PE) (Molecular Probes,Eugene, Oreg.), FITC, Rhodamine, and Texas Red (Pierce, Rockford, Ill.),Cy5, Cy5.5, Cy7 (Amersham Life Science, Pittsburgh, Pa.). Suitableoptical dyes, including fluorophores, are described in MOLECULAR PROBESHANDBOOK by Richard P. Haugland, hereby expressly incorporated byreference.

Suitable proteinaceous fluorescent labels also include, but are notlimited to, green fluorescent protein, including a Renilla, Ptilosarcus,or Aequorea species of GFP (Chalfie et al., 1994, Science 263:802-805),EGFP (Clontech Labs., Inc., Genbank Accession Number U55762), bluefluorescent protein (BFP, Quantum Biotechnologies, Inc., Quebec, Canada;Stauber, 1998, Biotechniques 24:462-471; Heim et al., 1996, Curr. Biol.6:178-182), enhanced yellow fluorescent protein (EYFP, Clontech Labs.,Inc.), luciferase (Ichiki et al., 1993, J. Immunol. 150:5408-5417), βgalactosidase (Nolan et al., 1988, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A.85:2603-2607) and Renilla (WO92/15673, WO95/07463, WO98/14605,WO98/26277, WO99/49019, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,292,658, 5,418,155, 5,683,888,5,741,668, 5,777,079, 5,804,387, 5,874,304, 5,876,995, 5,925,558).

Nucleic Acid Sequences Encoding CGRP Antigen Binding Proteins

Nucleic acids that encode for the antigen binding proteins describedherein, or portions thereof, are also provided, including nucleic acidsencoding one or both chains of an antibody, or a fragment, derivative,mutein, or variant thereof, polynucleotides encoding heavy chainvariable regions or only CDRs, polynucleotides sufficient for use ashybridization probes, PCR primers or sequencing primers for identifying,analyzing, mutating or amplifying a polynucleotide encoding apolypeptide, anti-sense nucleic acids for inhibiting expression of apolynucleotide, and complementary sequences of the foregoing. Thenucleic acids can be any length. They can be, for example, 5, 10, 15,20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, 175, 200, 250, 300, 350,400, 450, 500, 750, 1,000, 1,500 or more nucleotides in length, and/orcan comprise one or more additional sequences, for example, regulatorysequences, and/or be part of a larger nucleic acid, for example, avector. The nucleic acids can be single-stranded or double-stranded andcan comprise RNA and/or DNA nucleotides, and artificial variants thereof(e.g., peptide nucleic acids).

Table 7 shows exemplary nucleic acid sequences encoding an IgG2 heavychain constant region, a kappa light chain constant region and a lambdahCL-1 light chain constant region. Any variable region provided hereinmay be attached to these constant regions to form complete heavy andlight chain sequences. However, it should be understood that theseconstant regions sequences are provided as specific examples only—one ofskill in the art may employ other constant regions, including IgG1 heavychain constant region, IgG3 or IgG4 heavy chain constant regions, any ofthe seven lambda light chain constant regions, including hCL-1, hCL-2,hCL-3 and hCL-7; constant regions that have been modified for improvedstability, expression, manufacturability or other desiredcharacteristics, and the like. In some embodiments, the variable regionsequences are joined to other constant region sequences that are knownin the art. Exemplary nucleic acid sequences encoding heavy and lightchain variable regions are provided in Table 8.

TABLE 7 Exemplary Heavy And Light Chain Constant Region Nucleic AcidSequences Type Nucleic Acid Sequence/SEQ ID NO. IgG2 heavygctagcaccaagggcccatcggtcttccccctggcgccc chaintgctccaggagcacctccgagagcacagcggccctgggctgcctggtcaaggactacttccccgaaccggtgacggtgtcgtggaactcaggcgctctgaccagcggcgtgcacaccttcccagctgtcctacagtcctcaggactctactccctcagcagcgtggtgaccgtgccctccagcaacttcggcacccagacctacacctgcaacgtagatcacaagcccagcaacaccaaggtggacaagacagttgagcgcaaatgttgtgtcgagtgcccaccgtgcccagcaccacctgtggcaggaccgtcagtcttcctcttccccccaaaacccaaggacaccctcatgatctcccggacccctgaggtcacgtgcgtggtggtggacgtgagccacgaagaccccgaggtccagttcaactggtacgtggacggcgtggaggtgcataatgccaagacaaagccacgggaggagcagttcaacagcacgttccgtgtggtcagcgtcctcaccgttgtgcaccaggactggctgaacggcaaggagtacaagtgcaaggtctccaacaaaggcctcccagcccccatcgagaaaaccatctccaaaaccaaagggcagccccgagaaccacaggtgtacaccctgcccccatcccgggaggagatgaccaagaaccaggtcagcctgacctgcctggtcaaaggcttctaccccagcgacatcgccgtggagtgggagagcaatgggcagccggagaacaactacaagaccacacctcccatgctggactccgacggctccttcttcctctacagcaagctcaccgtggacaagagcaggtggcagcaggggaacgtcttctcatgctccgtgatgcatgaggctctgcacaaccactacacgcagaagagcctctccctgtctccgggt aaatga [SEQ ID NO: 259] IgG2kappa cgtacggtggctgcaccatctgtcttcatcttcccgcca light chaintctgatgagcagttgaaatctggaactgcctctgttgtgtgcctgctgaataacttctatcccagagaggccaaagtacagtggaaggtggataacgccctccaatcgggtaactcccaggagagtgtcacagagcaggacagcaaggacagcacctacagcctcagcagcaccctgacgctgagcaaagcagactacgagaaacacaaagtctacgcctgcgaagtcacccatcagggcctgagctcgcccgtcacaaagagcttcaacagg ggagagtgttag [SEQ ID NO: 260]IgG2 lambda ggtcagcccaaggccaaccccactgtcactctgttcccg hCL-1 lightccctcctctgaggagctccaagccaacaaggccacacta chaingtgtgtctgatcagtgacttctacccgggagctgtgacagtggcctggaaggcagatggcagccccgtcaaggcgggagtggagaccaccaaaccctccaaacagagcaacaacaagtacgcggccagcagctacctgagcctgacgcccgagcagtggaagtcccacagaagctacagctgccaggtcacgcatgaagggagcaccgtggagaagacagtggcccctacagaa tgttcatag [SEQ ID NO: 261]

Table 8 shows exemplary nucleic acid sequences encoding heavy chain andlight chain variable regions, in which the various CDRL1, CDRL2 andCDRL3, or CDRH1, CDRH2 and CDRH3, sequences are embedded.

TABLE 8 Exemplary Light and Heavy Chain Variable Region Nucleic AcidSequences SEQ ID Reference NO. Nucleic Acid Sequence 2E7 V_(L) 175gacatccagatgacccagtctccatcctc cctgtctgcatctgtaggagacagagtcaccatcacttgccgggcaagtcagggcatt agaaatgatttaggctggtttcagcagaaaccagggaaagcccctaagcgcctgatct atgctgcatccagtttgcaaagtggggtcccatcaaggttcagcggcagtggatctgg gacagaattcactctcacaatcagcagcctgcagcctgaagatttagcaacttattac tgtctacagtataatatttacccgtggacgttcggccaagggaccaaggtggaaatca aa 13H2 V_(L) 176gacatccagatgacccagtctccatcctc cctgtctgcatctgtaggagacagagtcaccatcacttgccgggcaagtcagggcatt agaaaggatttaggctggtatcagcagaaaccagggaaagcccctaagcgcctgatct atggagcatccagtttgcaaagtggggtcccatcaaggttcagcggcagtggatctgg gacagaattcactctcacaatcagcagcctgcagcctgaagattttgcaacttattac tgtctacagtataatagtttcccgtggacgttcggccaagggaccaaggtggaaatca aa 33B5 V_(L) 177aggtgcagctggtgcagtctggggctgag gtgaagaagtctggggcctcagtgaaggtctcctgcaaggcttctggatacaccttca ccggctactatatgcactgggtgcgacaggcccctggacaagggcttgagtggatggg atggatcaaccctaacagtggtggcacaaactatgtacagaagtttcagggcagggtc accatgaccagggacacgtccatcagcacagcctacatggagctgagcaggctgagat ctgacgacacggccgtgtattactgtgcgagaaatgagtatagcagtgcctggccctt ggggtattggggccagggaaccctggtca ccgtctctagt4H6 V_(L) 178 gatattgtgatgactcagtctccactctccctgcccgtcacccctggagagccggcct ccatctcctgcaggtctagtcagagcctcctgcatagttttgggtacaactatttgga ttggtacctgcagaagccagggcagtctccacagctcctgatctatttgggttctaat cgggcctccggggtccctgacaggttcagtggcagtggatcaggcacagattttacac tgaaaatcagcagagtggaggctgaggatgttggggtttattactgcatgcaagctct acaaactccattcactttcggccctgggaccaaagtggatatcaaa 3C8 V_(L) 179 gatattatactggcccagactccactttctctgtccgtcacccctggacagccggcct ccatctcctgcaagtctagtcagagcctcctgcacagtgctggaaagacctatttgta ttggtacctgcagaagccaggccagcctccacagctcctgatctatgaagtttccaac cggttctctggagtgccagataggttcagtggcagcgggtcagggacagatttcacac tgaaaatcagccgggtggaggctgaggatgttgggatttattactgcatgcaaagttt tccgcttccgctcactttcggcggagggaccaaggtggagatcaaa 5F5 V_(L) 180 gatattattctgacccagactccactttctctgtccgtcacccctggacagccggcct ccatctcctgcaagtctagtcagagcctcctgcacagtgatggaaagacctatttgta ttggtacctgcagaagcccggccagcctccacagctcctgatctatgaagtttccaac cggttctctggagagccagataggttcagtggcagcgggtcagggacagatttcacac tgaaaatcagccgggtggaggctgaggatgttgggacttattattgcatgcaaagttt tccgcttccgctcactttcggcggagggaccaaggtggagatcaaa 12E8 V_(L) 181 gatattacactgacccagactccactttctctgtccgtctcccctggacagccggcct ccatctcctgcaagtctagtcagagcctcctgcacagtgatggaaggaactatctgta ttggtacctgcagaagccaggccagcctccacagctcctgatctatgaagtgtccaac cggttctctggactgccagataggttcagtggcagcgggtcagggacagatttcacac tgaaaatcagccgggtggaggctgaggatgttgggatttattactgcatgcaaagttt tccgcttccgctcactttcggcggagggaccaaggtggagatcaaa 32H7 V_(L) 182 gaaattgtgttgacgcagtctccaggcaccctgtctttgtctccaggggaaagagcca ccctctcctgcagggccagtcagagtgttagcagcggctacttaacctggtaccagca gaaacctggccaggctcccaggctcctcatctatggtgcatccagcagggccactggc atcccagacaggttcagtggcagtgggtctgggacagacttcactctcaccatcagca gactggagcctgaagattttgcagtgtattactgtcagcagtatggtaactcactgtg caggtttggccaggggaccaagctggaga tcaaa 32H7CS 183 gaaattgtgttgacgcagtctccaggcac V_(L) cctgtctttgtctccaggggaaagagccaccctctcctgcagggccagtcagagtgtt agcagcggctacttaacctggtaccagcagaaacctggccaggctcccagactcctca tctatggtgcatccagcagggccactggcatcccagacaggttcagtggcagtgggtc tgggacggacttcactctcaccatcagcagactggagcctgaagattttgcagtgtat tactgtcagcagtatggtaactcactgagcaggtttggccaggggaccaagctggaga tcaaa 33E4 V_(L) 184gaaatagtgatgacgcagtctccagccac cctgtctgtgtctccaggggaaagagccaccctctcctgtagggccagtcagagtgtt cgcagcaatttagcctggtaccagcagaaacctggccaggctcccaggctcctcattc atgatgcatcccccaggaccgctggtatcccagccaggttcagtggcagtggatctgg gacagaattcactctcaccatcaacagcctgcagtctgaagattttgcagtttattac tgtcagcagtataattactggactccgatcaccttcggccaagggacacgactggaga ttaaa 32H8 V_(L) 185gacatcgtgatgacccagtctccagactc cctggctgtgtctctgggcgagagggccaccatcaactgcaagtccagccagagtatt ttagacagctccaacaatgataactacttagcttggtaccagcagaaaccaggacagc ctcctaaactgctcatttactgggcatctacccgggaatccggggtccctgaccgatt cagtggcagcgggtctgggacagatttcactctcaccatcagcagcctgcaggctgaa gatgtggcagtttattactgtcagcaatattataatactccattcactttcggccctg ggaccaaagtggatatcaaa 1E11 V_(L) 186cagtctgtgttgacgcagccgccctcagt gtctgaggccccaggacagaaggtcaccatctcctgctctggaagcagctccaacatt gggaataattatgtatcctggtaccagcagctcccaggaacagcccccaaactcctca tttatgacaataataagcgaccctcagggattcctgaccgattctctggctccaagtc tggcacgtcagccaccctgggcatcaccggactccagactggggacgaggccgattat tactgcggaacatgggatagccgcctgagtgctgtggttttcggcggagggaccaagc tgaccgtccta 4E4 V_(L) 187cagtctgtgttgacgcagccgccctcagt gtctgcggccccaggacagaaggtcaccatctcctgctctggaagcagctccaacatt gggaataattatgtatcctggtaccagcagctcccaggaacagcccccaaactcctca tttatgacaataataagcgaccctcagggattcctgaccgattctctggctccaagtc tggcacgtcaaccaccctgggcatcaccggactccagactggggacgaggccgattat tactgcggaacatgggatagccgcctgagtgctgtggttttcggcggagggaccaagc tgaccgtccta 9D4 V_(L) 188cagtctgtgttgacgcagccgccctcagt gtctgcggccccaggacagaaggtcaccatctcctgctctggaagcagctccaacatt gggaataattatgtatcctggtaccagcagttcccaggaacagcccccaaactcctca tttatgacaataataagcgaccctcagggattcctgaccgattctctggctccaagtc tggcacgtcagccaccctgggcatcaccggactccagactggggacgaggccgattat tactgcggaacatgggatagccgcctgagtgctgtggttttcggcggagggaccaagc tgaccgtccta 12G8 V_(L) 189cagtctgtgttgacgcagccgccctcagt gtctgcggccccaggacagaaggtcaccatctcctgctctggaagcagctccaacatt gggaataattatgtatcctggtaccagcagctcccaggaacagcccccaaactcctca tttatgacaataataagcgaccctcagggattcctgaccgattctctggctccaagtc tggcacgtcagccaccctgggcatcaccggactccagactggggacgaggccgattat tactgcggaacatgggatagccgcctgagtgctgtggttttcggcggagggaccaagc tgaccgtccta 34E3 V_(L) 190cagtctgtgttgacgcagccgccctcaat gtctgcggccccaggacagaaggtcaccatctcctgctctggaagcagctccaacatt gggaataattatgtatcctggtaccagcagctcccaggaacagcccccaaactcctca tttatgacaataataagcgaccctcagggattcctgaccgattctctggctccaagtc tggcacgtcagccaccctgggcatcaccggactccagactggggacgaggccaattac tgctgcggaacatgggatatcggcctgagtgtttgggtgttcggcggagggaccaaac tgaccgtccta 10E4 V_(L) 191cagtctgtgctgactcagccaccctcagc gtctgggacccccgggcagagggtcaccatctcttgttctggaagcagttccaatatc ggaagtaatactgtgaactggtaccagcagctcccaggaacggcccccaaactcctca tctatactaataatcagcggccctcaggggtccctgaccgattctctggctccaagtc tggcacctcagcctccctggccatcagtggactccagtctgaggatgaggctgatttt tactgtgcagcgcgggatgagagcctgaatggtgtggtattcggcggagggaccaagc tgaccgtccta 11D11 V_(L) 192cagtctgtgctgactcagccaccctcagc 11H9 V_(L) gtctgggacccccgggcagagagtcaccatctcttgttctggaagcagctccaacatc ggcagtaattatgtatactggtaccagcagctcccaggagcggcccccaaactcctca tctttaggaataatcagcggccctcaggggtccctgaccgcttctctggctccaagtc tggcacctcagcctccctggccatcagtgggctccggtccgaggatgaggctgattat tactgtgcagcatgggatgacagcctgagtggttgggtgttcggcggagggaccaagc tgaccgtccta 1H7 V_(L) 193cagtctgtgctgactcagccaccctcagc gtctgggacccccgggcagagagtcaccatctcttgttctggaagcagctccaacatc ggcagtaattatgtatactggtaccagcagctcccaggagcggcccccaaactcctca tctttaggagtaatcagcggccctcaggggtccctgaccgattctctggctccaagtc tggcacctcagcctccctggccatcagtgggctccggtccgaggatgaggctgattat tactgtgcagcatgggatgacagcctgagtggttgggtgttcggcggagggaccaagc tgaccgtccta 9F5 V_(L) 194cagtctgtgctgactcagtcaccctcagc gtctgggacccccgggcagagagtcaccatctcttgttctggaagcagctccaacatc ggcagtaattatgtatactggtaccagcagctcccaggagcggcccccaaactcctca tccttaggaataatcagcggccctcaggggtccctgaccgattctctggctccaagtc tggcacctcagcctccctgaccatcagtgggctccggtccgaggatgaggctgactat tattgtgcagcatgggatgacagcctgagtggttgggtgttcggcggagggaccaagc tgaccgtccta 3B6 V_(L) 195tcttctgagctgactcaggaccctactgt gtctgtggccttgggacagacagtcaaaatcacatgccaaggagacagcctcagaagt ttttatgcaagctggtaccagcagaagccaggacaggcccctgtacttgtcttctatg gtaaaaacaaccggccctcagggatcccagaccgattctctggctccagctcaggaaa cacagcttccttgaccatcactggggctcaggcggaagatgaggctgactattattgt aattcccgggacagcagtgtttaccatctggtactcggcggagggaccaagctgaccg tccta 3B6 V_(H) 196caggtgcagttggtgcagtctggggctga ggtgaagaagcctggggcctcagtgaaggtctcctgcaaggcttctggatacaccttc accggctactatatgcactgggtgcgacaggcccctggacaagggcttgagtggatgg gatggatcaaccctaacagtggtggcacaaactatgcacagaagtttcagggcagggt caccatgaccagggacacgtccatcagcacagcctacatggagctgagcaggctgaga tctgacgacacggccgtgtatttctgtgcgagagatcaaatgagtattattatgcttc ggggagtttttcccccttactattacggtatggacgtctggggccaagggaccacggt caccgtctctagt 10E4 V_(H) 197caggtgcagctggtgcagtctggggctga ggtgaagaagcctggggcctcagtgaaggtctcctgcaaggcttctggatacaccttc accgactactatatgtactgggtgcgacaggcccctggacaagggcttgagtggatgg gatggatcagccctaatagtggtggcacaaactatgcccagaagtttcagggcagggt caccatgaccagggacacgtctatcagcacagcctacatggagctgagtaggctgaga tctgacgacacggccgtgtattactgtgtgagaggaggatatagtggctacgctgggc tctactcccactactacggtatggacgtctggggccaagggaccacggtcaccgtctc tagt 32H8 V_(H) 198caggtgcagctggtgcagtctggggctga ggtgaagaagcctggggcctcagtgaaggtctcctgcaaggcttctggatacaccttc accgcctactatttacactgggtgcgacaggcccctggacaagggcttgagtggatgg gatggatcaaccctcacagtggtggcacaaactatgcacagaagtttcagggcagggt caccatgaccagggacacgtccatcagcacagcctacatggagctgagcaggctgaga tctgacgacacggccgtgttctactgtgcgagaggaaggcagtggctgggctttgact actggggccagggaaccctggtcaccgtc tctagt 33B5V_(H) 199 gacatccagatgacccagtctccatcctc cctgtctgcatctgtaggagacagagttaccattacttgccgggcaagtcagggcatt agaaatgatttaggctggtatcagcagaaaccagggaaagcccctaagcgcctgatct atgttgcatccagtttgcaaagtggggtcccatcaaggttcagcggcagtggatctgg gacagaattcactctcacaatcagcagcctgcagcctgaagattttgcaacttattac tgtctacagtataacacttacccgctcactttcggcggagggaccaaggtggagatca ag 11D11 V_(H) 200gaggtacagctggtggagtctgggggagg cttggtaaagcctggggggtccctcagactctcctgtgcagcctctggattcactttc ggtaacgcctggatgagctgggtccgccaggctccagggaaggggctggagtgggttg gccgtattaaaagcaaaactgatggtgggacaacagactacgctgcacccgtgaaagg cagattcaccatctcaagagatgattcaaaaaacacgctgtatctgcaaatgaacagc ctgaaaaccgaggacacagccgtgtatttctgtaccacagatcggaccgggtatagca tcagctggtctagttactactactactacggtatggacgtctggggccaagggaccac ggtcaccgtctctagt 9F5 V_(H) 201gaggtgcagctggtggagtctgggggagg cttggtaaagcctggggggtcccttagactctcctgtgcagcctctggattcactttc agtaacgcctggatgagctgggtccgccaggctccagggaaggggctggagtgggttg gccgtattaaaagcaaaactgatggtgggacaacagactacactgcacccgtgaaagg cagattcaccatctcaagagatgattcaaaaaacacgctgtatctgcaaatgaatagc ctgaaagccgaggacacagccgtgtattactgtaccacagatcggaccgggtatagca tcagctggtctagttactactactactacggtatggacgtctggggccaagggaccac ggtcaccgtctctagt 11H9 V_(H) 202gaggtacagctggtggagtctgggggagg cttggtaaagcctggggggtcccttagactctcctgtgcagcctctggattcactttc ggtaacgcctggatgagctgggtccgccaggctccagggaaggggctggagtgggttg gccgtattaaaagcaaaactgatggtgggacaacagactacgctgcacccgtgaaagg cagattcaccatctcaagagatgattcaaaaaacacgctgtatctgcaaatgaacagc ctgaaaaccgaggacacagccgtgtattactgtaccacagatcggaccgggtatagca tcagctggtctagttactactactactacggtatggacgtctggggccaagggaccac ggtcaccgtctctagt 1H7 V_(H) 203gaggtgcagctggtggagtctgggggagg cttggtaaagcctggggggtcccttagactctcctgtgcagcctctggattcactttc agtaacgcctggatgagctgggtccgccaggctccagggaaggggctggagtgggttg gccgtattaaaagcacaactgatggtgggacaacagactacgctgcacccgtgaaagg cagattcaccatctcaagagatgattcaaaaaacacgctgtatctgcaaatgaacagc ctgaaaaccgaggacacagccgtgtattactgtaccacagatcggaccggatatagca tcagctggtctagttactactactactacggtatggacgtctggggccaagggaccac ggtcaccgtctctagt 13H2 V_(H) 204gaggtgcagctggtggagtctgggggagg cctggtcaagcctggggggtccctgagactctcctgtgcagcctctggatacaccttc agtacctatagcatgaactgggtccgccaggctccagggaaggggctggagtgggtct catccattagtagtagtagtagttacagatattacgcagactcagtgaagggccgatt caccatctccagagacaacgccaagaactcactgtatctgcaaatgagtagcctgaga gccgaggacacggctgtgtattactgtgcgagagaaggggtgtctggcagttcgccgt atagcatcagctggtacgactactattacggtatggacgtctggggccaagggaccac ggtcaccgtctctagt 2E7 V_(H) 205gaggtgcagctattggagtctgggggagg cttggtacagcctggggagtccctgagactctcctgtgcagcctctgggttcaccttt agcagctatgccatgagctgggtccgccaggctccagggaaggggctggagtgggtct cagctattagtggtagtggtggtcgcacatactacgcagactccgtgaagggccggtt caccatctccagagacaattccaagaacacgctgtatctgcaaatgaatagcctgaga gccgaggacacggccgtatattactgtgcgaaagatcaaagggaggtagggccgtata gcagtggctggtacgactactactacggtatggacgtctggggccaagggaccacggt caccgtctctagt 3C8 V_(H) 206caggtgcagctggtggagtctgggggagg 12E8 V_(H) cgtggtccagcctgggaggtccctgagac5F5 V_(H) tctcctgtgcagcctctggattcaccttc agtagctatggcatgcactgggtccgccaggctccaggcaaggggctggagtgggtgg cagttatttcatatgatggaagtcatgaatcctatgcagactccgtgaagggccgatt caccatctccagagacatttccaagaacacgctgtatctgcaaatgaacagcctgaga gctgaggacacggctgtgtatttctgtgcgagagagaggaaacgggttacgatgtcta ccttatattactacttctactacggtatggacgtctggggccaagggaccacggtcac cgtctctagt 4E4 V_(H) 207caggtgcagctggtggaatctgggggagg 9D4 V_(H) cgtggtccagcctgggaggtccctgagac1E11 V_(H) tctcctgtgcagcctctggattcaccttc agtagctttggcatgcactgggtccgccaggctccaggcaaggggctggagtgggtgg cagttatatcatttgatggaagtattaagtattctgtagactccgtgaagggccgatt caccatctccagagacaattcaaagaacacgctgtttctgcaaatgaacagcctgcga gccgaggacacggctgtgtattactgtgcgagagatcggctcaattactatgatagta gtggttattatcactacaaatactacggtatggccgtctggggccaagggaccacggt caccgtctctagt 12G8 V_(H) 208caggtgcagctggtggaatctgggggagg cgtggtccagcctgggaggtccctgagactctcctgtgcagcctctggattcaccttc agtagctttggcatgcattgggtccgccaggctccaggcaaggggctggagtgggtgg cagttatatcatttgatggaagtattaagtactctgtagactccgtgaagggccgatt caccatctccagagacaattcaaagaacacgctgtttctgcaaatgaacagcctgcga gccgaggacacggctgtgtattactgtgcgagagatcggctcaattactatgatagta gtggttattatcactacaaatactacggtctggccgtctggggccaagggaccacggt caccgtctctagt 4H6 V_(H) 209gaggtgcagctggtggagtctgggggagg cttggtaaagccagggcggtccctgagactctcctgtacagcttctggattcaccttt ggtgattatgctatgagctggttccgccaggctccagggaaggggctggagtggatag gtttcattagaagcagagcttatggtgggacaccagaatacgccgcgtctgtgaaagg cagattcaccatctcaagagatgattccaaaaccatcgcctatctgcaaatgaacagc ctgaaaaccgaggacacagccgtgtatttctgtgctagaggacggggtattgcagctc gttgggactactggggccagggaaccctggtcaccgtctctagt 32H7 V_(H) 210 caggtgcagctggtggagtctgggggaggcgtggtccagcctgggaggtccctgagac tctcctgtgcagcgtctggattcaccttcagtagctatggcatgcactgggtccgcca ggctccaggcaaggggctggagtgggtggcagttatatggtatgatggaagtaataaa tactatgcagactccgtgaagggccgattcatcatctccagagataaatccaagaaca cgctgtatctgcaaatgaacagcctgagagccgaggacacggctgtgtattactgtgc gagagcggggggtatagcagcagctggcctctactactactacggtatggacgtctgg ggccaagggaccacggtcaccgtctctag t 33E4 V_(H)211 caggtgcagttacagcagtggggcgcagg actgttgaagccttcggagaccctgtccctcagctgcgctgtctatggtgggtccttc ggtggttactactggagctggatccgccagcccccagggaaggggctggagtggattg gggaaatcaatcatagtggaggcaccaagtacaacccgtccctcaagagtcgagtcac catatcagtagacacgtccaagaaccagttctccctgaagctgagctctgtgaccgcC gcggacacggctgtgtatttctgtgcgagaggcgatgtagtaggtttctttgactatt ggggccagggaaccctggtcaccgtctct agt

Table 9 shows the SEQ ID NOs of exemplary nucleic acid sequencesencoding complete heavy and light chains, as well as heavy and lightchain variable regions, of exemplary isolated antigen-binding proteins,specifically, hCGRP R binding proteins, disclosed herein.

TABLE 9 Exemplary HC, LC, V_(H) and V_(L) Nucleic Acid Sequence SEQ IDNOs Variable Light Variable Heavy SEQ ID SEQ ID Full Light Full HeavyRef NO. NO. SEQ ID NO. SEQ ID NO 2E7 175 205 226 244 13H2 176 204 239257 4H6 178 209 230 248 3C8 179 206 228 246 5F5 180 206 231 249 12E8 181206 237 255 1E11 186 207 224 242 4E4 187 207 229 247 9D4 188 207 232 25012G8 189 208 238 256 10E4 191 197 234 252 11D11 192 200 235 253 11H9 192202 236 254 1H7 193 203 225 243 9F5 194 201 233 251 3B6 195 196 227 24532H7 182 210 240 258 32H7 CS 183 210 241 258 32H8 185 198 33B5 177 19933E4 184 211 34E3 190 212

Nucleic acids encoding certain antigen binding proteins, or portionsthereof (e.g., full length antibody, heavy or light chain, variabledomain, or CDRH1, CDRH2, CDRH3, CDRL1, CDRL2, or CDRL3) may be isolatedfrom B-cells of mice that have been immunized with CGRP R or immunogeniccomponents thereof, e.g., by immunizing with full-length CGRP R(comprising both CRLR and RAMP1), with the extracellular domain of CGRPR (comprising extracellular domains of CRLR and RAMP1), with whole cellsexpressing CGRP R, with membranes prepared from cells expressing CGRP R,with fusion proteins, e.g., Fc fusions, comprising CRLR, RAMP1 (orextracellular domains thereof) fused to Fc, and other methods known inthe art, for example, as described in the Examples 1-3 herein. Thenucleic acid may be isolated by conventional procedures such aspolymerase chain reaction (PCR). Phage display is another example of aknown technique whereby derivatives of antibodies and other antigenbinding proteins may be prepared. In one approach, polypeptides that arecomponents of an antigen binding protein of interest are expressed inany suitable recombinant expression system, and the expressedpolypeptides are allowed to assemble to form antigen binding proteinmolecules.

The nucleic acids provided in Tables 7-9 are exemplary only. Due to thedegeneracy of the genetic code, each of the polypeptide sequences listedin Tables 2-5 or otherwise depicted herein are also encoded by a largenumber of other nucleic acid sequences besides those provided. One ofordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the present applicationthus provides adequate written description and enablement for eachdegenerate nucleotide sequence encoding each antigen binding protein.

An aspect further provides nucleic acids that hybridize to other nucleicacids (e.g., nucleic acids comprising a nucleotide sequence listed inTable 7, Table 8, Table 9 and/or SEQ ID NOs:224-258) under particularhybridization conditions. Methods for hybridizing nucleic acids arewell-known in the art. See, e.g., Current Protocols in MolecularBiology, John Wiley & Sons, N.Y. (1989), 6.3.1-6.3.6. As defined herein,a moderately stringent hybridization condition uses a prewashingsolution containing 5× sodium chloride/sodium citrate (SSC), 0.5% SDS,1.0 mM EDTA (pH 8.0), hybridization buffer of about 50% formamide,6×SSC, and a hybridization temperature of 55° C. (or other similarhybridization solutions, such as one containing about 50% formamide,with a hybridization temperature of 42° C.), and washing conditions of60° C., in 0.5×SSC, 0.1% SDS. A stringent hybridization conditionhybridizes in 6×SSC at 45° C., followed by one or more washes in0.1×SSC, 0.2% SDS at 68° C. Furthermore, one of skill in the art canmanipulate the hybridization and/or washing conditions to increase ordecrease the stringency of hybridization such that nucleic acidscomprising nucleotide sequences that are at least 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%,85%, 90%, 95%, 98% or 99% identical to each other typically remainhybridized to each other.

The basic parameters affecting the choice of hybridization conditionsand guidance for devising suitable conditions are set forth by, forexample, Sambrook, Fritsch, and Maniatis (2001, Molecular Cloning: ALaboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, Cold SpringHarbor, N.Y., supra; and Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, 1995,Ausubel et al., eds., John Wiley & Sons, Inc., sections 2.10 and6.3-6.4), and can be readily determined by those having ordinary skillin the art based on, e.g., the length and/or base composition of thenucleic acid.

Changes can be introduced by mutation into a nucleic acid, therebyleading to changes in the amino acid sequence of a polypeptide (e.g., anantibody or antibody derivative) that it encodes. Mutations can beintroduced using any technique known in the art. In one embodiment, oneor more particular amino acid residues are changed using, for example, asite-directed mutagenesis protocol. In another embodiment, one or morerandomly selected residues is changed using, for example, a randommutagenesis protocol. However it is made, a mutant polypeptide can beexpressed and screened for a desired property.

Mutations can be introduced into a nucleic acid without significantlyaltering the biological activity of a polypeptide that it encodes. Forexample, one can make nucleotide substitutions leading to amino acidsubstitutions at non-essential amino acid residues. Alternatively, oneor more mutations can be introduced into a nucleic acid that selectivelychanges the biological activity of a polypeptide that it encodes. Forexample, the mutation can quantitatively or qualitatively change thebiological activity. Examples of quantitative changes includeincreasing, reducing or eliminating the activity. Examples ofqualitative changes include changing the antigen specificity of anantibody. In one embodiment, a nucleic acid encoding any antigen bindingprotein described herein can be mutated to alter the amino acid sequenceusing molecular biology techniques that are well-established in the art.

Another aspect provides nucleic acid molecules that are suitable for useas primers or hybridization probes for the detection of nucleic acidsequences. A nucleic acid molecule can comprise only a portion of anucleic acid sequence encoding a full-length polypeptide, for example, afragment that can be used as a probe or primer or a fragment encoding anactive portion (e.g., a CGRP R binding portion) of a polypeptide.

Probes based on the sequence of a nucleic acid can be used to detect thenucleic acid or similar nucleic acids, for example, transcripts encodinga polypeptide. The probe can comprise a label group, e.g., aradioisotope, a fluorescent compound, an enzyme, or an enzyme co-factor.Such probes can be used to identify a cell that expresses thepolypeptide.

Another aspect provides vectors comprising a nucleic acid encoding apolypeptide or a portion thereof (e.g., a fragment containing one ormore CDRs or one or more variable region domains). Examples of vectorsinclude, but are not limited to, plasmids, viral vectors, non-episomalmammalian vectors and expression vectors, for example, recombinantexpression vectors. The recombinant expression vectors can comprise anucleic acid in a form suitable for expression of the nucleic acid in ahost cell. The recombinant expression vectors include one or moreregulatory sequences, selected on the basis of the host cells to be usedfor expression, which is operably linked to the nucleic acid sequence tobe expressed. Regulatory sequences include those that directconstitutive expression of a nucleotide sequence in many types of hostcells (e.g., SV40 early gene enhancer, Rous sarcoma virus promoter andcytomegalovirus promoter), those that direct expression of thenucleotide sequence only in certain host cells (e.g., tissue-specificregulatory sequences, see, Voss et al., 1986, Trends Biochem. Sci.11:287, Maniatis et al., 1987, Science 236:1237, incorporated byreference herein in their entireties), and those that direct inducibleexpression of a nucleotide sequence in response to particular treatmentor condition (e.g., the metallothionin promoter in mammalian cells andthe tet-responsive and/or streptomycin responsive promoter in bothprokaryotic and eukaryotic systems (see, id.). It will be appreciated bythose skilled in the art that the design of the expression vector candepend on such factors as the choice of the host cell to be transformed,the level of expression of protein desired, etc. The expression vectorscan be introduced into host cells to thereby produce proteins orpeptides, including fusion proteins or peptides, encoded by nucleicacids as described herein.

Another aspect provides host cells into which a recombinant expressionvector has been introduced. A host cell can be any prokaryotic cell (forexample, E. coli) or eukaryotic cell (for example, yeast, insect, ormammalian cells (e.g., CHO cells)). Vector DNA can be introduced intoprokaryotic or eukaryotic cells via conventional transformation ortransfection techniques. For stable transfection of mammalian cells, itis known that, depending upon the expression vector and transfectiontechnique used, only a small fraction of cells may integrate the foreignDNA into their genome. In order to identify and select these integrants,a gene that encodes a selectable marker (e.g., for resistance toantibiotics) is generally introduced into the host cells along with thegene of interest. Preferred selectable markers include those whichconfer resistance to drugs, such as G418, hygromycin and methotrexate.Cells stably transfected with the introduced nucleic acid can beidentified by drug selection (e.g., cells that have incorporated theselectable marker gene will survive, while the other cells die), amongother methods.

Preparing of Antigen Binding Proteins

Non-human antibodies that are provided can be, for example, derived fromany antibody-producing animal, such as mouse, rat, rabbit, goat, donkey,or non-human primate (such as monkey (e.g., cynomolgus or rhesus monkey)or ape (e.g., chimpanzee)). Non-human antibodies can be used, forinstance, in in vitro cell culture and cell-culture based applications,or any other application where an immune response to the antibody doesnot occur or is insignificant, can be prevented, is not a concern, or isdesired. In certain embodiments, the antibodies may be produced byimmunizing animals using methods known in the art, as described aboveand/or in Examples 1-3 below. The examples describe the generation ofanti CGRP R antibodies using three different immunogen preparations (i)whole cells expressing full-length versions of two major components ofCGRP R-RAMP1 and CRLR; (ii) membrane extracts from such cells; and (iii)soluble CGRP R obtained by co-expressing and purifying the N-terminalextracellular domains of CRLR and RAMP1. The antibodies may bepolyclonal, monoclonal, or may be synthesized in host cells byexpressing recombinant DNA. Fully human antibodies may be prepared asdescribed above by immunizing transgenic animals containing humanimmunoglobulin loci or by selecting a phage display library that isexpressing a repertoire of human antibodies.

The monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) can be produced by a variety oftechniques, including conventional monoclonal antibody methodology,e.g., the standard somatic cell hybridization technique of Kohler andMilstein, 1975, Nature 256:495. Alternatively, other techniques forproducing monoclonal antibodies can be employed, for example, the viralor oncogenic transformation of B-lymphocytes. One suitable animal systemfor preparing hybridomas is the murine system, which is a very wellestablished procedure. Immunization protocols and techniques forisolation of immunized splenocytes for fusion are known in the art andillustrative approaches are described in the Examples, below. For suchprocedures, B cells from immunized mice are typically fused with asuitable immortalized fusion partner, such as a murine myeloma cellline. If desired, rats or other mammals besides can be immunized insteadof mice and B cells from such animals can be fused with the murinemyeloma cell line to form hybridomas. Alternatively, a myeloma cell linefrom a source other than mouse may be used. Fusion procedures for makinghybridomas also are well known.

The single chain antibodies that are provided may be formed by linkingheavy and light chain variable domain (Fv region) fragments via an aminoacid bridge (short peptide linker), resulting in a single polypeptidechain. Such single-chain Fvs (scFvs) may be prepared by fusing DNAencoding a peptide linker between DNAs encoding the two variable domainpolypeptides (V_(L) and V_(H)). The resulting polypeptides can fold backon themselves to form antigen-binding monomers, or they can formmultimers (e.g., dimers, trimers, or tetramers), depending on the lengthof a flexible linker between the two variable domains (Kortt et al.,1997, Prot. Eng. 10:423; Kortt et al., 2001, Biomol. Eng. 18:95-108). Bycombining different V_(L) and V_(H)-comprising polypeptides, one canform multimeric scFvs that bind to different epitopes (Kriangkum et al.,2001, Biomol. Eng. 18:31-40). Techniques developed for the production ofsingle chain antibodies include those described in U.S. Pat. No.4,946,778; Bird, 1988, Science 242:423; Huston et al., 1988, Proc. Natl.Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 85:5879; Ward et al., 1989, Nature 334:544, de Graafet al., 2002, Methods Mol. Biol. 178:379-387. Single chain antibodiesderived from antibodies provided herein include, but are not limited toscFvs comprising the variable domain combinations of the heavy and lightchain variable regions depicted in Table 3, or combinations of light andheavy chain variable domains which include CDRs depicted in Tables 4Aand 4B.

Antibodies provided herein that are of one subclass can be changed toantibodies from a different subclass using subclass switching methods.Thus, IgG antibodies may be derived from an IgM antibody, for example,and vice versa. Such techniques allow the preparation of new antibodiesthat possess the antigen binding properties of a given antibody (theparent antibody), but also exhibit biological properties associated withan antibody isotype or subclass different from that of the parentantibody. Recombinant DNA techniques may be employed. Cloned DNAencoding particular antibody polypeptides may be employed in suchprocedures, e.g., DNA encoding the constant domain of an antibody of thedesired isotype. See, e.g., Lantto et al., 2002, Methods Mol. Biol.178:303-316.

Accordingly, the antibodies that are provided include those comprising,for example, the variable domain combinations described, supra., havinga desired isotype (for example, IgA, IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, IgG4, IgE, andIgD) as well as Fab or F(ab′)₂ fragments thereof. Moreover, if an IgG4is desired, it may also be desired to introduce a point mutation(CPSCP->CPPCP) in the hinge region as described in Bloom et al., 1997,Protein Science 6:407, incorporated by reference herein) to alleviate atendency to form intra-H chain disulfide bonds that can lead toheterogeneity in the IgG4 antibodies.

Moreover, techniques for deriving antibodies having different properties(i.e., varying affinities for the antigen to which they bind) are alsoknown. One such technique, referred to as chain shuffling, involvesdisplaying immunoglobulin variable domain gene repertoires on thesurface of filamentous bacteriophage, often referred to as phagedisplay. Chain shuffling has been used to prepare high affinityantibodies to the hapten 2-phenyloxazol-5-one, as described by Marks etal., 1992, BioTechnology 10:779.

Conservative modifications may be made to the heavy and light chainvariable regions described in Table 3, or the CDRs described in Tables4A and 4B (and corresponding modifications to the encoding nucleicacids) to produce a CGRP R binding protein having certain desirablefunctional and biochemical characteristics. Methods for achieving suchmodifications are described above.

CGRP antigen binding proteins may be further modified in various ways.For example, if they are to be used for therapeutic purposes, they maybe conjugated with polyethylene glycol (pegylated) to prolong the serumhalf-life or to enhance protein delivery. Alternatively, the V region ofthe subject antibodies or fragments thereof may be fused with the Fcregion of a different antibody molecule. The Fc region used for thispurpose may be modified so that it does not bind complement, thusreducing the likelihood of inducing cell lysis in the patient when thefusion protein is used as a therapeutic agent. In addition, the subjectantibodies or functional fragments thereof may be conjugated with humanserum albumin to enhance the serum half-life of the antibody or antigenbinding fragment thereof. Another useful fusion partner for the antigenbinding proteins or fragments thereof is transthyretin (TTR). TTR hasthe capacity to form a tetramer, thus an antibody-TTR fusion protein canform a multivalent antibody which may increase its binding avidity.

Alternatively, substantial modifications in the functional and/orbiochemical characteristics of the antigen binding proteins describedherein may be achieved by creating substitutions in the amino acidsequence of the heavy and light chains that differ significantly intheir effect on maintaining (a) the structure of the molecular backbonein the area of the substitution, for example, as a sheet or helicalconformation, (b) the charge or hydrophobicity of the molecule at thetarget site, or (c) the bulkiness of the side chain. A “conservativeamino acid substitution” may involve a substitution of a native aminoacid residue with a normative residue that has little or no effect onthe polarity or charge of the amino acid residue at that position. See,Table 4, supra. Furthermore, any native residue in the polypeptide mayalso be substituted with alanine, as has been previously described foralanine scanning mutagenesis.

Amino acid substitutions (whether conservative or non-conservative) ofthe subject antibodies can be implemented by those skilled in the art byapplying routine techniques. Amino acid substitutions can be used toidentify important residues of the antibodies provided herein, or toincrease or decrease the affinity of these antibodies for human CGRP Ror for modifying the binding affinity of other antigen-binding proteinsdescribed herein.

Methods of Expressing Antigen Binding Proteins

Expression systems and constructs in the form of plasmids, expressionvectors, transcription or expression cassettes that comprise at leastone polynucleotide as described above are also provided herein, as wellhost cells comprising such expression systems or constructs.

The antigen binding proteins provided herein may be prepared by any of anumber of conventional techniques. For example, CGRP R antigen bindingproteins may be produced by recombinant expression systems, using anytechnique known in the art. See, e.g., Monoclonal Antibodies,Hybridomas: A New Dimension in Biological Analyses, Kennet et al. (eds.)Plenum Press, New York (1980); and Antibodies: A Laboratory Manual,Harlow and Lane (eds.), Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, Cold SpringHarbor, N.Y. (1988).

Antigen binding proteins can be expressed in hybridoma cell lines (e.g.,in particular antibodies may be expressed in hybridomas) or in celllines other than hybridomas. Expression constructs encoding theantibodies can be used to transform a mammalian, insect or microbialhost cell. Transformation can be performed using any known method forintroducing polynucleotides into a host cell, including, for examplepackaging the polynucleotide in a virus or bacteriophage and transducinga host cell with the construct by transfection procedures known in theart, as exemplified by U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,399,216; 4,912,040; 4,740,461;4,959,455. The optimal transformation procedure used will depend uponwhich type of host cell is being transformed. Methods for introductionof heterologous polynucleotides into mammalian cells are well known inthe art and include, but are not limited to, dextran-mediatedtransfection, calcium phosphate precipitation, polybrene mediatedtransfection, protoplast fusion, electroporation, encapsulation of thepolynucleotide(s) in liposomes, mixing nucleic acid withpositively-charged lipids, and direct microinjection of the DNA intonuclei.

Recombinant expression constructs typically comprise a nucleic acidmolecule encoding a polypeptide comprising one or more of the following:one or more CDRs provided herein; a light chain constant region; a lightchain variable region; a heavy chain constant region (e.g., C_(H)1,C_(H)2 and/or C_(H)3); and/or another scaffold portion of a CGRP Rantigen binding protein. These nucleic acid sequences are inserted intoan appropriate expression vector using standard ligation techniques. Inone embodiment, the heavy or light chain constant region is appended tothe C-terminus of the anti-CGRP R-specific heavy or light chain variableregion and is ligated into an expression vector. The vector is typicallyselected to be functional in the particular host cell employed (i.e.,the vector is compatible with the host cell machinery, permittingamplification and/or expression of the gene can occur). In someembodiments, vectors are used that employ protein-fragmentcomplementation assays using protein reporters, such as dihydrofolatereductase (see, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,270,964, which is herebyincorporated by reference). Suitable expression vectors can bepurchased, for example, from Invitrogen Life Technologies or BDBiosciences (formerly “Clontech”). Other useful vectors for cloning andexpressing the antibodies and fragments include those described inBianchi and McGrew, 2003, Biotech. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 84:439-44, whichis hereby incorporated by reference. Additional suitable expressionvectors are discussed, for example, in Methods Enzymol., vol. 185 (D. V.Goeddel, ed.), 1990, New York: Academic Press.

Typically, expression vectors used in any of the host cells will containsequences for plasmid maintenance and for cloning and expression ofexogenous nucleotide sequences. Such sequences, collectively referred toas “flanking sequences” in certain embodiments will typically includeone or more of the following nucleotide sequences: a promoter, one ormore enhancer sequences, an origin of replication, a transcriptionaltermination sequence, a complete intron sequence containing a donor andacceptor splice site, a sequence encoding a leader sequence forpolypeptide secretion, a ribosome binding site, a polyadenylationsequence, a polylinker region for inserting the nucleic acid encodingthe polypeptide to be expressed, and a selectable marker element. Eachof these sequences is discussed below.

Optionally, the vector may contain a “tag”-encoding sequence, i.e., anoligonucleotide molecule located at the 5′ or 3′ end of the CGRP Rbinding protein coding sequence; the oligonucleotide sequence encodespolyHis (such as hexaHis), or another “tag” such as FLAG®, HA(hemaglutinin influenza virus), or myc, for which commercially availableantibodies exist. This tag is typically fused to the polypeptide uponexpression of the polypeptide, and can serve as a means for affinitypurification or detection of the CGRP R binding protein from the hostcell. Affinity purification can be accomplished, for example, by columnchromatography using antibodies against the tag as an affinity matrix.Optionally, the tag can subsequently be removed from the purified CGRP Rbinding protein by various means such as using certain peptidases forcleavage.

Flanking sequences may be homologous (i.e., from the same species and/orstrain as the host cell), heterologous (i.e., from a species other thanthe host cell species or strain), hybrid (i.e., a combination offlanking sequences from more than one source), synthetic or native. Assuch, the source of a flanking sequence may be any prokaryotic oreukaryotic organism, any vertebrate or invertebrate organism, or anyplant, provided that the flanking sequence is functional in, and can beactivated by, the host cell machinery.

Flanking sequences useful in the vectors may be obtained by any ofseveral methods well known in the art. Typically, flanking sequencesuseful herein will have been previously identified by mapping and/or byrestriction endonuclease digestion and can thus be isolated from theproper tissue source using the appropriate restriction endonucleases. Insome cases, the full nucleotide sequence of a flanking sequence may beknown. Here, the flanking sequence may be synthesized using the methodsdescribed herein for nucleic acid synthesis or cloning.

Whether all or only a portion of the flanking sequence is known, it maybe obtained using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and/or by screening agenomic library with a suitable probe such as an oligonucleotide and/orflanking sequence fragment from the same or another species. Where theflanking sequence is not known, a fragment of DNA containing a flankingsequence may be isolated from a larger piece of DNA that may contain,for example, a coding sequence or even another gene or genes. Isolationmay be accomplished by restriction endonuclease digestion to produce theproper DNA fragment followed by isolation using agarose gelpurification, Qiagen® column chromatography (Chatsworth, Calif.), orother methods known to the skilled artisan. The selection of suitableenzymes to accomplish this purpose will be readily apparent to one ofordinary skill in the art.

An origin of replication is typically a part of those prokaryoticexpression vectors purchased commercially, and the origin aids in theamplification of the vector in a host cell. If the vector of choice doesnot contain an origin of replication site, one may be chemicallysynthesized based on a known sequence, and ligated into the vector. Forexample, the origin of replication from the plasmid pBR322 (New EnglandBiolabs, Beverly, Mass.) is suitable for most gram-negative bacteria,and various viral origins (e.g., SV40, polyoma, adenovirus, vesicularstomatitus virus (VSV), or papillomaviruses such as HPV or BPV) areuseful for cloning vectors in mammalian cells. Generally, the origin ofreplication component is not needed for mammalian expression vectors(for example, the SV40 origin is often used only because it alsocontains the virus early promoter).

A transcription termination sequence is typically located 3′ to the endof a polypeptide coding region and serves to terminate transcription.Usually, a transcription termination sequence in prokaryotic cells is aG-C rich fragment followed by a poly-T sequence. While the sequence iseasily cloned from a library or even purchased commercially as part of avector, it can also be readily synthesized using methods for nucleicacid synthesis such as those described herein.

A selectable marker gene encodes a protein necessary for the survivaland growth of a host cell grown in a selective culture medium. Typicalselection marker genes encode proteins that (a) confer resistance toantibiotics or other toxins, e.g., ampicillin, tetracycline, orkanamycin for prokaryotic host cells; (b) complement auxotrophicdeficiencies of the cell; or (c) supply critical nutrients not availablefrom complex or defined media. Specific selectable markers are thekanamycin resistance gene, the ampicillin resistance gene, and thetetracycline resistance gene. Advantageously, a neomycin resistance genemay also be used for selection in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic hostcells.

Other selectable genes may be used to amplify the gene that will beexpressed. Amplification is the process wherein genes that are requiredfor production of a protein critical for growth or cell survival arereiterated in tandem within the chromosomes of successive generations ofrecombinant cells. Examples of suitable selectable markers for mammaliancells include dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) and promoterless thymidinekinase genes. Mammalian cell transformants are placed under selectionpressure wherein only the transformants are uniquely adapted to surviveby virtue of the selectable gene present in the vector. Selectionpressure is imposed by culturing the transformed cells under conditionsin which the concentration of selection agent in the medium issuccessively increased, thereby leading to the amplification of both theselectable gene and the DNA that encodes another gene, such as anantigen binding protein that binds to CGRP R. As a result, increasedquantities of a polypeptide such as an antigen binding protein aresynthesized from the amplified DNA.

A ribosome-binding site is usually necessary for translation initiationof mRNA and is characterized by a Shine-Dalgarno sequence (prokaryotes)or a Kozak sequence (eukaryotes). The element is typically located 3′ tothe promoter and 5′ to the coding sequence of the polypeptide to beexpressed.

In some cases, such as where glycosylation is desired in a eukaryotichost cell expression system, one may manipulate the various pre- orpro-sequences to improve glycosylation or yield. For example, one mayalter the peptidase cleavage site of a particular signal peptide, or addprosequences, which also may affect glycosylation. The final proteinproduct may have, in the −1 position (relative to the first amino acidof the mature protein), one or more additional amino acids incident toexpression, which may not have been totally removed. For example, thefinal protein product may have one or two amino acid residues found inthe peptidase cleavage site, attached to the amino-terminus.Alternatively, use of some enzyme cleavage sites may result in aslightly truncated form of the desired polypeptide, if the enzyme cutsat such area within the mature polypeptide.

Expression and cloning will typically contain a promoter that isrecognized by the host organism and operably linked to the moleculeencoding a CGRP R binding protein. Promoters are untranscribed sequenceslocated upstream (i.e., 5′) to the start codon of a structural gene(generally within about 100 to 1000 bp) that control transcription ofthe structural gene. Promoters are conventionally grouped into one oftwo classes: inducible promoters and constitutive promoters. Induciblepromoters initiate increased levels of transcription from DNA undertheir control in response to some change in culture conditions, such asthe presence or absence of a nutrient or a change in temperature.Constitutive promoters, on the other hand, uniformly transcribe a geneto which they are operably linked, that is, with little or no controlover gene expression. A large number of promoters, recognized by avariety of potential host cells, are well known. A suitable promoter isoperably linked to the DNA encoding heavy chain or light chaincomprising a CGRP R binding protein by removing the promoter from thesource DNA by restriction enzyme digestion and inserting the desiredpromoter sequence into the vector.

Suitable promoters for use with yeast hosts are also well known in theart. Yeast enhancers are advantageously used with yeast promoters.Suitable promoters for use with mammalian host cells are well known andinclude, but are not limited to, those obtained from the genomes ofviruses such as polyoma virus, fowlpox virus, adenovirus (such asAdenovirus 2), bovine papilloma virus, avian sarcoma virus,cytomegalovirus, retroviruses, hepatitis-B virus, and Simian Virus 40(SV40). Other suitable mammalian promoters include heterologousmammalian promoters, for example, heat-shock promoters and the actinpromoter.

Additional promoters which may be of interest include, but are notlimited to: SV40 early promoter (Benoist and Chambon, 1981, Nature290:304-310); CMV promoter (Thomsen et al., 1984, Proc. Natl. Acad.U.S.A. 81:659-663); the promoter contained in the 3′ long terminalrepeat of Rous sarcoma virus (Yamamoto et al., 1980, Cell 22:787-797);herpes thymidine kinase promoter (Wagner et al., 1981, Proc. Natl. Acad.Sci. U.S.A. 78:1444-1445); promoter and regulatory sequences from themetallothionine gene (Prinster et al., 1982, Nature 296:39-42); andprokaryotic promoters such as the beta-lactamase promoter(VIIIa-Kamaroff et al., 1978, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A.75:3727-3731); or the tac promoter (DeBoer et al., 1983, Proc. Natl.Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 80:21-25). Also of interest are the following animaltranscriptional control regions, which exhibit tissue specificity andhave been utilized in transgenic animals: the elastase I gene controlregion that is active in pancreatic acinar cells (Swift et al., 1984,Cell 38:639-646; Ornitz et al., 1986, Cold Spring Harbor Symp. Quant.Biol. 50:399-409; MacDonald, 1987, Hepatology 7:425-515); the insulingene control region that is active in pancreatic beta cells (Hanahan,1985, Nature 315:115-122); the immunoglobulin gene control region thatis active in lymphoid cells (Grosschedl et al., 1984, Cell 38:647-658;Adames et al., 1985, Nature 318:533-538; Alexander et al., 1987, Mol.Cell. Biol. 7:1436-1444); the mouse mammary tumor virus control regionthat is active in testicular, breast, lymphoid and mast cells (Leder etal., 1986, Cell 45:485-495); the albumin gene control region that isactive in liver (Pinkert et al., 1987, Genes and Devel. 1:268-276); thealpha-feto-protein gene control region that is active in liver (Krumlaufet al., 1985, Mol. Cell. Biol. 5:1639-1648; Hammer et al., 1987, Science253:53-58); the alpha 1-antitrypsin gene control region that is activein liver (Kelsey et al., 1987, Genes and Devel. 1:161-171); thebeta-globin gene control region that is active in myeloid cells (Mogramet al., 1985, Nature 315:338-340; Kollias et al., 1986, Cell 46:89-94);the myelin basic protein gene control region that is active inoligodendrocyte cells in the brain (Readhead et al., 1987, Cell48:703-712); the myosin light chain-2 gene control region that is activein skeletal muscle (Sani, 1985, Nature 314:283-286); and thegonadotropic releasing hormone gene control region that is active in thehypothalamus (Mason et al., 1986, Science 234:1372-1378).

An enhancer sequence may be inserted into the vector to increasetranscription of DNA encoding light chain or heavy chain comprising ahuman CGRP R binding protein by higher eukaryotes. Enhancers arecis-acting elements of DNA, usually about 10-300 by in length, that acton the promoter to increase transcription. Enhancers are relativelyorientation and position independent, having been found at positionsboth 5′ and 3′ to the transcription unit. Several enhancer sequencesavailable from mammalian genes are known (e.g., globin, elastase,albumin, alpha-feto-protein and insulin). Typically, however, anenhancer from a virus is used. The SV40 enhancer, the cytomegalovirusearly promoter enhancer, the polyoma enhancer, and adenovirus enhancersknown in the art are exemplary enhancing elements for the activation ofeukaryotic promoters. While an enhancer may be positioned in the vectoreither 5′ or 3′ to a coding sequence, it is typically located at a site5′ from the promoter. A sequence encoding an appropriate native orheterologous signal sequence (leader sequence or signal peptide) can beincorporated into an expression vector, to promote extracellularsecretion of the antibody. The choice of signal peptide or leaderdepends on the type of host cells in which the antibody is to beproduced, and a heterologous signal sequence can replace the nativesignal sequence. Examples of signal peptides that are functional inmammalian host cells include the following: the signal sequence forinterleukin-7 (IL-7) described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,965,195; the signalsequence for interleukin-2 receptor described in Cosman et al., 1984,Nature 312:768; the interleukin-4 receptor signal peptide described inEP Patent No. 0367 566; the type I interleukin-1 receptor signal peptidedescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,968,607; the type II interleukin-1 receptorsignal peptide described in EP Patent No. 0 460 846.

The expression vectors that are provided may be constructed from astarting vector such as a commercially available vector. Such vectorsmay or may not contain all of the desired flanking sequences. Where oneor more of the flanking sequences described herein are not alreadypresent in the vector, they may be individually obtained and ligatedinto the vector. Methods used for obtaining each of the flankingsequences are well known to one skilled in the art.

After the vector has been constructed and a nucleic acid moleculeencoding light chain, a heavy chain, or a light chain and a heavy chaincomprising a CGRP R antigen binding sequence has been inserted into theproper site of the vector, the completed vector may be inserted into asuitable host cell for amplification and/or polypeptide expression. Thetransformation of an expression vector for an antigen-binding proteininto a selected host cell may be accomplished by well known methodsincluding transfection, infection, calcium phosphate co-precipitation,electroporation, microinjection, lipofection, DEAE-dextran mediatedtransfection, or other known techniques. The method selected will inpart be a function of the type of host cell to be used. These methodsand other suitable methods are well known to the skilled artisan, andare set forth, for example, in Sambrook et al., 2001, supra.

A host cell, when cultured under appropriate conditions, synthesizes anantigen binding protein that can subsequently be collected from theculture medium (if the host cell secretes it into the medium) ordirectly from the host cell producing it (if it is not secreted). Theselection of an appropriate host cell will depend upon various factors,such as desired expression levels, polypeptide modifications that aredesirable or necessary for activity (such as glycosylation orphosphorylation) and ease of folding into a biologically activemolecule.

Mammalian cell lines available as hosts for expression are well known inthe art and include, but are not limited to, immortalized cell linesavailable from the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC), includingbut not limited to Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, HeLa cells, babyhamster kidney (BHK) cells, monkey kidney cells (COS), humanhepatocellular carcinoma cells (e.g., Hep G2), and a number of othercell lines. In certain embodiments, cell lines may be selected throughdetermining which cell lines have high expression levels andconstitutively produce antigen binding proteins with CGRP R bindingproperties. In another embodiment, a cell line from the B cell lineagethat does not make its own antibody but has a capacity to make andsecrete a heterologous antibody can be selected.

Use of Human CGRP Antigen Binding Proteins for Diagnostic andTherapeutic Purposes

Antigen binding proteins are useful for detecting CGRP R in biologicalsamples and identification of cells or tissues that produce CGRP R. Forinstance, the CGRP R antigen binding proteins can be used in diagnosticassays, e.g., binding assays to detect and/or quantify CGRP R expressedin a tissue or cell. Antigen binding proteins that specifically bind toCGRP R can also be used in treatment of diseases related to CGRP R in apatient in need thereof. In addition, CGRP R antigen binding proteinscan be used to inhibit CGRP R from forming a complex with its ligandCGRP, thereby modulating the biological activity of CGRP R in a cell ortissue. Examples of activities that can be modulated include, but arenot limited to, inhibiting vasodialation and/or decrease neurogenicinflammation. Antigen binding proteins that bind to CGRP R thus canmodulate and/or block interaction with other binding compounds and assuch may have therapeutic use in ameliorating diseases related to CGRPR.

Indications

A disease or condition associated with human CGRP R includes any diseaseor condition whose onset in a patient is caused by, at least in part,the interaction of CGRP R with its ligand, CGRP. The severity of thedisease or condition can also be increased or decreased by theinteraction of CGRP R with CGRP. Examples of diseases and conditionsthat can be treated with the antigen binding proteins described hereininclude headaches, such as cluster headaches, migraine, includingmigraine headaches, chronic pain, type II diabetes mellitus,inflammation, e.g., neurogenic inflammation, cardiovascular disorders,and hemodynamic derangement associated with endotoxemia and sepsis.

In particular, antigen binding proteins described herein can be used totreat migraine, either as an acute treatment commencing after a migraineattack has commenced, and/or as a prophylactic treatment administered,e.g., daily, weekly, biweekly, monthly, bimonthly, biannually, etc.) toprevent or reduce the frequency and/or severity of symptoms, e.g., painsymptoms, associated with migraine attacks.

Diagnostic Methods

The antigen binding proteins described herein can be used for diagnosticpurposes to detect, diagnose, or monitor diseases and/or conditionsassociated with CGRP R. Also provided are methods for the detection ofthe presence of CGRP R in a sample using classical immunohistologicalmethods known to those of skill in the art (e.g., Tijssen, 1993,Practice and Theory of Enzyme Immunoassays, Vol 15 (Eds R. H. Burdon andP. H. van Knippenberg, Elsevier, Amsterdam); Zola, 1987, MonoclonalAntibodies: A Manual of Techniques, pp. 147-158 (CRC Press, Inc.);Jalkanen et al., 1985, J. Cell. Biol. 101:976-985; Jalkanen et al.,1987, J. Cell Biol. 105:3087-3096). The detection of CGRP R can beperformed in vivo or in vitro.

Diagnostic applications provided herein include use of the antigenbinding proteins to detect expression of CGRP R and binding of theligands to CGRP R. Examples of methods useful in the detection of thepresence of CGRP R include immunoassays, such as the enzyme linkedimmunosorbent assay (ELISA) and the radioimmunoassay (RIA).

For diagnostic applications, the antigen binding protein typically willbe labeled with a detectable labeling group. Suitable labeling groupsinclude, but are not limited to, the following: radioisotopes orradionuclides (e.g. ³H, ¹⁴C, ¹⁵N, ³⁵S, ⁹⁰Y, ⁹⁹Tc, ¹¹¹In, ¹²⁵I, ¹³¹I),fluorescent groups (e.g., FITC, rhodamine, lanthanide phosphors),enzymatic groups (e.g., horseradish peroxidase, β-galactosidase,luciferase, alkaline phosphatase), chemiluminescent groups, biotinylgroups, or predetermined polypeptide epitopes recognized by a secondaryreporter (e.g., leucine zipper pair sequences, binding sites forsecondary antibodies, metal binding domains, epitope tags). In someembodiments, the labeling group is coupled to the antigen bindingprotein via spacer arms of various lengths to reduce potential sterichindrance. Various methods for labeling proteins are known in the artand may be used.

In another aspect, an antigen binding protein can be used to identify acell or cells that express CGRP R. In a specific embodiment, the antigenbinding protein is labeled with a labeling group and the binding of thelabeled antigen binding protein to CGRP R is detected. In a furtherspecific embodiment, the binding of the antigen binding protein to CGRPR detected in vivo. In a further specific embodiment, the CGRP R antigenbinding protein is isolated and measured using techniques known in theart. See, for example, Harlow and Lane, 1988, Antibodies: A LaboratoryManual, New York: Cold Spring Harbor (ed. 1991 and periodicsupplements); John E. Coligan, ed., 1993, Current Protocols InImmunology New York: John Wiley & Sons.

Another aspect provides for detecting the presence of a test moleculethat competes for binding to CGRP R with the antigen binding proteinsprovided. An example of one such assay would involve detecting theamount of free antigen binding protein in a solution containing anamount of CGRP R in the presence or absence of the test molecule. Anincrease in the amount of free antigen binding protein (i.e., theantigen binding protein not bound to CGRP R) would indicate that thetest molecule is capable of competing for CGRP R binding with theantigen binding protein. In one embodiment, the antigen binding proteinis labeled with a labeling group. Alternatively, the test molecule islabeled and the amount of free test molecule is monitored in thepresence and absence of an antigen binding protein.

Methods of Treatment: Pharmaceutical Formulations, Routes ofAdministration

Methods of using the antigen binding proteins are also provided. In somemethods, an antigen binding protein is provided to a patient. Theantigen binding protein inhibits binding of CGRP to human CGRP R.

Pharmaceutical compositions that comprise a therapeutically effectiveamount of one or a plurality of the antigen binding proteins and apharmaceutically acceptable diluent, carrier, solubilizer, emulsifier,preservative, and/or adjuvant are also provided. In addition, methods oftreating a patient, e.g., for migraine, by administering suchpharmaceutical composition are included. The term “patient” includeshuman patients.

Acceptable formulation materials are nontoxic to recipients at thedosages and concentrations employed. In specific embodiments,pharmaceutical compositions comprising a therapeutically effectiveamount of human CGRP R antigen binding proteins are provided.

In certain embodiments, acceptable formulation materials preferably arenontoxic to recipients at the dosages and concentrations employed. Incertain embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition may containformulation materials for modifying, maintaining or preserving, forexample, the pH, osmolarity, viscosity, clarity, color, isotonicity,odor, sterility, stability, rate of dissolution or release, adsorptionor penetration of the composition. In such embodiments, suitableformulation materials include, but are not limited to, amino acids (suchas glycine, glutamine, asparagine, arginine or lysine); antimicrobials;antioxidants (such as ascorbic acid, sodium sulfite or sodiumhydrogen-sulfite); buffers (such as borate, bicarbonate, Tris-HCl,citrates, phosphates or other organic acids); bulking agents (such asmannitol or glycine); chelating agents (such as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)); complexing agents (such as caffeine,polyvinylpyrrolidone, beta-cyclodextrin orhydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin); fillers; monosaccharides;disaccharides; and other carbohydrates (such as glucose, mannose ordextrins); proteins (such as serum albumin, gelatin or immunoglobulins);coloring, flavoring and diluting agents; emulsifying agents; hydrophilicpolymers (such as polyvinylpyrrolidone); low molecular weightpolypeptides; salt-forming counterions (such as sodium); preservatives(such as benzalkonium chloride, benzoic acid, salicylic acid,thimerosal, phenethyl alcohol, methylparaben, propylparaben,chlorhexidine, sorbic acid or hydrogen peroxide); solvents (such asglycerin, propylene glycol or polyethylene glycol); sugar alcohols (suchas mannitol or sorbitol); suspending agents; surfactants or wettingagents (such as pluronics, PEG, sorbitan esters, polysorbates such aspolysorbate 20, polysorbate, triton, tromethamine, lecithin,cholesterol, tyloxapal); stability enhancing agents (such as sucrose orsorbitol); tonicity enhancing agents (such as alkali metal halides,preferably sodium or potassium chloride, mannitol sorbitol); deliveryvehicles; diluents; excipients and/or pharmaceutical adjuvants. See,REMINGTON'S PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES, 18″ Edition, (A. R. Genrmo, ed.),1990, Mack Publishing Company.

In certain embodiments, the optimal pharmaceutical composition will bedetermined by one skilled in the art depending upon, for example, theintended route of administration, delivery format and desired dosage.See, for example, REMINGTON'S PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES, supra. In certainembodiments, such compositions may influence the physical state,stability, rate of in vivo release and rate of in vivo clearance of theantigen binding proteins disclosed. In certain embodiments, the primaryvehicle or carrier in a pharmaceutical composition may be either aqueousor non-aqueous in nature. For example, a suitable vehicle or carrier maybe water for injection, physiological saline solution or artificialcerebrospinal fluid, possibly supplemented with other materials commonin compositions for parenteral administration. Neutral buffered salineor saline mixed with serum albumin are further exemplary vehicles. Inspecific embodiments, pharmaceutical compositions comprise Tris bufferof about pH 7.0-8.5, or acetate buffer of about pH 4.0-5.5, and mayfurther include sorbitol or a suitable substitute. In certainembodiments, human CGRP R antigen binding protein compositions may beprepared for storage by mixing the selected composition having thedesired degree of purity with optional formulation agents (REMINGTON'SPHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES, supra) in the form of a lyophilized cake or anaqueous solution. Further, in certain embodiments, the human CGRP Rantigen binding protein may be formulated as a lyophilizate usingappropriate excipients such as sucrose.

The pharmaceutical compositions can be selected for parenteral delivery.Alternatively, the compositions may be selected for inhalation or fordelivery through the digestive tract, such as orally. Preparation ofsuch pharmaceutically acceptable compositions is within the skill of theart.

The formulation components are present preferably in concentrations thatare acceptable to the site of administration. In certain embodiments,buffers are used to maintain the composition at physiological pH or at aslightly lower pH, typically within a pH range of from about 5 to about8.

When parenteral administration is contemplated, the therapeuticcompositions may be provided in the form of a pyrogen-free, parenterallyacceptable aqueous solution comprising the desired human CGRP R bindingprotein in a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle. A particularlysuitable vehicle for parenteral injection is sterile distilled water inwhich the human CGRP R antigen binding protein is formulated as asterile, isotonic solution, properly preserved. In certain embodiments,the preparation can involve the formulation of the desired molecule withan agent, such as injectable microspheres, bio-erodible particles,polymeric compounds (such as polylactic acid or polyglycolic acid),beads or liposomes, that may provide controlled or sustained release ofthe product which can be delivered via depot injection. In certainembodiments, hyaluronic acid may also be used, having the effect ofpromoting sustained duration in the circulation. In certain embodiments,implantable drug delivery devices may be used to introduce the desiredantigen binding protein.

Certain pharmaceutical compositions are formulated for inhalation. Insome embodiments, human CGRP R antigen binding proteins are formulatedas a dry, inhalable powder. In specific embodiments, human CGRP Rantigen binding protein inhalation solutions may also be formulated witha propellant for aerosol delivery. In certain embodiments, solutions maybe nebulized. Pulmonary administration and formulation methods thereforeare further described in International Patent Application No.PCT/US94/001875, which is incorporated by reference and describespulmonary delivery of chemically modified proteins. Some formulationscan be administered orally. Human CGRP R antigen binding proteins thatare administered in this fashion can be formulated with or withoutcarriers customarily used in the compounding of solid dosage forms suchas tablets and capsules. In certain embodiments, a capsule may bedesigned to release the active portion of the formulation at the pointin the gastrointestinal tract when bioavailability is maximized andpre-systemic degradation is minimized. Additional agents can be includedto facilitate absorption of the human CGRP R antigen binding protein.Diluents, flavorings, low melting point waxes, vegetable oils,lubricants, suspending agents, tablet disintegrating agents, and bindersmay also be employed.

Some pharmaceutical compositions comprise an effective quantity of oneor a plurality of human CGRP R antigen binding proteins in a mixturewith non-toxic excipients that are suitable for the manufacture oftablets. By dissolving the tablets in sterile water, or anotherappropriate vehicle, solutions may be prepared in unit-dose form.Suitable excipients include, but are not limited to, inert diluents,such as calcium carbonate, sodium carbonate or bicarbonate, lactose, orcalcium phosphate; or binding agents, such as starch, gelatin, oracacia; or lubricating agents such as magnesium stearate, stearic acid,or talc.

Additional pharmaceutical compositions will be evident to those skilledin the art, including formulations involving human CGRP R antigenbinding proteins in sustained- or controlled-delivery formulations.Techniques for formulating a variety of other sustained- orcontrolled-delivery means, such as liposome carriers, bio-erodiblemicroparticles or porous beads and depot injections, are also known tothose skilled in the art. See, for example, International PatentApplication No. PCT/US93/00829, which is incorporated by reference anddescribes controlled release of porous polymeric microparticles fordelivery of pharmaceutical compositions. Sustained-release preparationsmay include semipermeable polymer matrices in the form of shapedarticles, e.g., films, or microcapsules. Sustained release matrices mayinclude polyesters, hydrogels, polylactides (as disclosed in U.S. Pat.No. 3,773,919 and European Patent Application Publication No. EP 058481,each of which is incorporated by reference), copolymers of L-glutamicacid and gamma ethyl-L-glutamate (Sidman et al., 1983, Biopolymers2:547-556), poly (2-hydroxyethyl-inethacrylate) (Langer et al., 1981, J.Biomed. Mater. Res. 15:167-277 and Langer, 1982, Chem. Tech. 12:98-105),ethylene vinyl acetate (Langer et al., 1981, supra) orpoly-D(−)-3-hydroxybutyric acid (European Patent Application PublicationNo. EP 133,988). Sustained release compositions may also includeliposomes that can be prepared by any of several methods known in theart. See, e.g., Eppstein et al., 1985, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A.82:3688-3692; European Patent Application Publication Nos. EP 036,676;EP 088,046 and EP 143,949, incorporated by reference.

Pharmaceutical compositions used for in vivo administration aretypically provided as sterile preparations. Sterilization can beaccomplished by filtration through sterile filtration membranes. Whenthe composition is lyophilized, sterilization using this method may beconducted either prior to or following lyophilization andreconstitution. Compositions for parenteral administration can be storedin lyophilized form or in a solution. Parenteral compositions generallyare placed into a container having a sterile access port, for example,an intravenous solution bag or vial having a stopper pierceable by ahypodermic injection needle.

In certain embodiments, cells expressing a recombinant antigen bindingprotein as disclosed herein is encapsulated for delivery (see, Invest.Opthalmol Vis Sci 43:3292-3298, 2002 and Proc. Natl. Acad. Sciences103:3896-3901, 2006).

In certain formulations, an antigen binding protein has a concentrationof at least 10 mg/ml, 20 mg/ml, 30 mg/ml, 40 mg/ml, 50 mg/ml, 60 mg/ml,70 mg/ml, 80 mg/ml, 90 mg/ml, 100 mg/ml or 150 mg/ml. Some formulationscontain a buffer, sucrose and polysorbate. An example of a formulationis one containing 50-100 mg/ml of antigen binding protein, 5-20 mMsodium acetate, 5-10% w/v sucrose, and 0.002-0.008% w/v polysorbate.Certain, formulations, for instance, contain 65-75 mg/ml of an antigenbinding protein in 9-11 mM sodium acetate buffer, 8-10% w/v sucrose, and0.005-0.006% w/v polysorbate. The pH of certain such formulations is inthe range of 4.5-6. Other formulations have a pH of 5.0-5.5 (e.g., pH of5.0, 5.2 or 5.4).

Once the pharmaceutical composition has been formulated, it may bestored in sterile vials as a solution, suspension, gel, emulsion, solid,crystal, or as a dehydrated or lyophilized powder. Such formulations maybe stored either in a ready-to-use form or in a form (e.g., lyophilized)that is reconstituted prior to administration. Kits for producing asingle-dose administration unit are also provided. Certain kits containa first container having a dried protein and a second container havingan aqueous formulation. In certain embodiments, kits containing singleand multi-chambered pre-filled syringes (e.g., liquid syringes andlyosyringes) are provided. The therapeutically effective amount of ahuman CGRP R antigen binding protein-containing pharmaceuticalcomposition to be employed will depend, for example, upon thetherapeutic context and objectives. One skilled in the art willappreciate that the appropriate dosage levels for treatment will varydepending, in part, upon the molecule delivered, the indication forwhich the human CGRP R antigen binding protein is being used, the routeof administration, and the size (body weight, body surface or organsize) and/or condition (the age and general health) of the patient. Incertain embodiments, the clinician may titer the dosage and modify theroute of administration to obtain the optimal therapeutic effect.

A typical dosage may range from about 1 μg/kg to up to about 30 mg/kg ormore, depending on the factors mentioned above. In specific embodiments,the dosage may range from 10 μg/kg up to about 30 mg/kg, optionally from0.1 mg/kg up to about 30 mg/kg, alternatively from 0.3 mg/kg up to about20 mg/kg. In some applications, the dosage is from 0.5 mg/kg to 20mg/kg. In some instances, an antigen binding protein is dosed at 0.3mg/kg, 0.5 mg/kg, 1 mg/kg, 3 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg, or 20 mg/kg. The dosageschedule in some treatment regimes is at a dose of 0.3 mg/kg qW, 0.5mg/kg qW, 1 mg/kg qW, 3 mg/kg qW, 10 mg/kg qW, or 20 mg/kg qW.

Dosing frequency will depend upon the pharmacokinetic parameters of theparticular human CGRP R antigen binding protein in the formulation used.Typically, a clinician administers the composition until a dosage isreached that achieves the desired effect. The composition may thereforebe administered as a single dose, or as two or more doses (which may ormay not contain the same amount of the desired molecule) over time, oras a continuous infusion via an implantation device or catheter.Appropriate dosages may be ascertained through use of appropriatedose-response data. In certain embodiments, the antigen binding proteinscan be administered to patients throughout an extended time period.Chronic administration of an antigen binding protein minimizes theadverse immune or allergic response commonly associated with antigenbinding proteins that are not fully human, for example an antibodyraised against a human antigen in a non-human animal, for example, anon-fully human antibody or non-human antibody produced in a non-humanspecies.

The route of administration of the pharmaceutical composition is inaccord with known methods, e.g., orally, through injection byintravenous, intraperitoneal, intracerebral (intra-parenchymal),intracerebroventricular, intramuscular, intra-ocular, intraarterial,intraportal, or intralesional routes; by sustained release systems or byimplantation devices. In certain embodiments, the compositions may beadministered by bolus injection or continuously by infusion, or byimplantation device.

The composition also may be administered locally via implantation of amembrane, sponge or another appropriate material onto which the desiredmolecule has been absorbed or encapsulated. In certain embodiments,where an implantation device is used, the device may be implanted intoany suitable tissue or organ, and delivery of the desired molecule maybe via diffusion, timed-release bolus, or continuous administration.

It also may be desirable to use human CGRP R antigen binding proteinpharmaceutical compositions ex vivo. In such instances, cells, tissuesor organs that have been removed from the patient are exposed to humanCGRP R antigen binding protein pharmaceutical compositions after whichthe cells, tissues and/or organs are subsequently implanted back intothe patient.

In particular, human CGRP R antigen binding proteins can be delivered byimplanting certain cells that have been genetically engineered, usingmethods such as those described herein, to express and secrete thepolypeptide. In certain embodiments, such cells may be animal or humancells, and may be autologous, heterologous, or xenogeneic. In certainembodiments, the cells may be immortalized. In other embodiments, inorder to decrease the chance of an immunological response, the cells maybe encapsulated to avoid infiltration of surrounding tissues. In furtherembodiments, the encapsulation materials are typically biocompatible,semi-permeable polymeric enclosures or membranes that allow the releaseof the protein product(s) but prevent the destruction of the cells bythe patient's immune system or by other detrimental factors from thesurrounding tissues.

The following examples, including the experiments conducted and theresults achieved, are provided for illustrative purposes only and arenot to be construed as limiting the scope of the appended claims.

EXAMPLE 1 Generation of CGRP Receptor as Antigens

A. Molecular Cloning of Human CRLR and RAMP1

Human CRLR cDNA (GenBank Accession No. U17473; SEQ ID NO:1) and RAMP1cDNA (GenBank Accession No. AJ001014; SEQ ID NO:3) were cloned into themammalian cell expression vectors pcDNA3.1-Zeo and pcDNA3.1-Hyg(Invitrogen, Carlsbad, Calif.), respectively, for transfections of HEK293EBNA cells (Invitrogen) as described below. The hCRLR cDNA and hRAMP1cDNA were also cloned into the pDSRα24 vector (Kim, H. Y. et al. J. Inv.Derm. Symp. Proc. (2007) 12: 48-49) for transfections of AM-1 CHO cells(U.S. Pat. No. 6,210,924).

B. Stably-Transfected Cell Lines

1. Stable Expression of Human CGRP R in 293EBNA Cells

HEK 293EBNA cells (available from ATCC or Invitrogen) were seeded at adensity of 1.5×10⁶ cells per 100 mm dish. After 24 hours, the cells wereco-transfected with 6 μg linearized DNAs of huRAMP1/pcDNA3.1-Hyg andhuCRLR/pcDNA3.1-Zeo with FuGene6 (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, Calif.)following instructions supplied by Invitrogen. After two days, the cellswere trypsinized and subcultured into growth medium containing 400 μg/mlhygromycin+250 μg/ml zeocin. After two weeks, the resulting drugresistant colonies were trypsinized and combined into pools. The poolswere subjected to four rounds of FACS sorting an Alexa 647-labeledCGRP₈₋₃₇peptide analog (described below). The highest 5% of expressingcells were collected at each round.

2. Stable Expression of Human CGRP R in AM-1 CHO Cells

AM-1 CHO cells (a serum-free growth media-adapted variant from the CHODHFR-deficient cell line described in Urlaub and Chasin, Proc. Natl.Acad. Sci. 77, 4216 (1980), were seeded at 1.5×10⁶ cells per 100 mmdish. After 24 hours, the cells were co-transfected with linearized 4 μgDNAs each of pDSRα24/huRAMP1 and pDSRα24/huCRLR with FuGene6(Invitrogen, Carlsbad, Calif.) following instructions supplied byInvitrogen. The transfected cells were trypsinized 2 days aftertransfection and seeded into CHO DHFR selective growth medium containing10% dialyzed FBS and without hypoxanthine/thymidine supplement. After 2weeks, the resulting transfected colonies were trypsinized and pooled.The pools were subjected to FACS sorting analysis.

3. Stable Expression of Human Adrenomedullin (AM1) in HEK 293EBNA Cells

293EBNA cells were seeded in 100 mm dishes at 1.5×10⁶ cells/dish in DMEM(high glucose)+5% FBS+1% MEM non-essential amino acids+1% sodiumpyruvate. The following day the cells were co-transfected using FuGENE 6transfection reagent (Roche) with pcDNA3.1/zeocin/huCRLR pluspcDNA3.1/hygromycin/huRAMP2. Both DNA constructs were linearized withFspI. After 48 hours the cells were subcultured into 100 mm dishes at 3cell densities (8×10⁵, 3.2×10⁵, and 8×10⁴ cells/dish) in growth mediumcontaining 200 μg/ml zeocin. The medium was changed twice weekly. Afterone week the plates were fed with medium containing 200 μg/mlhygromycin+200 μg/ml zeocin. After two weeks, 96 colonies were isolatedwith cloning rings. The remaining colonies were collected into a singlepool culture. The clones and pools were assayed for their response tostimulation by receptor agonist or forskolin. Several clones showed agood response, and one was selected for use in subsequent experiments.

4. Stable Expression of Cyno CGRP R in HEK 293EBNA Cells

293EBNA cells were seeded in 100 mm dishes at 1.5×10⁶ cells/dish in DMEM(high glucose)+5% FBS+1% MEM non-essential amino acids+1% sodiumpyruvate. The following day the cells were co-transfected using FuGENE 6with pcDNA3.1/zeocin/cynoCRLR plus pcDNA3.1/hygromycin/cynoRAMP1. Bothconstructs were linearized with FspI. After 48 hours the cells weresubcultured into growth medium containing 200 μg/ml zeocin+400 μl/mlhygromycin at dilutions of 1:20, 1:40, 1:100, and 1:200. The medium waschanged twice weekly. After two weeks, 96 transfected colonies wereisolated using cloning rings. The clones were assayed for their responseto stimulation by CGRP ligand. Several clones showed similar high levelsof response and one was selected for use in subsequent experiments.

C. Isolation of High-expressing CGRP Receptor Cells

A CGRP₈₋₃₇peptide analog was synthesized (Midwest Bio-Tech Inc. Fishers,Ind.) with the sequence below:

-   -   Ac-WVTHRLAGLLSRSGGVVRCNFVPTDVGPFAF-_(NH2) (SEQ ID NO:9)

The peptide was labeled with Alexa 647-NHS following the manufacturer'sinstructions (Molecular Probes, Inc. Cat A 2006). The Alexa 647-labeledCGRP₈₋₃₇ showed specific staining of CGRP receptor transfected cells andnot the non-transfected parental cells and was used as the FACS reagent.

The huCGRP receptor-transfected 293EBNA and AM-1 CHO cell pools(generated as above) were sorted repeatedly up to four times pools usingwith Alexa 647-labeled CGRP₈₋₃₇ peptide. High expressing cells werecollected at each sort, expanded and after the final sorting frozen intovials. The AM-1 CHO/huCGRP R cells were used for immunization asdescribed below, and the 293EBNA/huCGRP R cells were used for titeringmouse sera after immunization and in binding screens of the hybridomasupernatants.

D. Generation of Soluble CGRP Receptor

Soluble CGRP receptor polypeptides containing the N-terminalextracellular domains (ECDs) of human CRLR (SEQ ID NO:6) and human RAMP1(SEQ ID NO:8) were generated by transiently co-transfecting 293 6E cells(Durocher, et al., Nucleic Acids Res. 30:E9 (2002)) with vectorscontaining the corresponding cDNAs (SEQ ID NO:5 or SEQ ID NO:7) asdescribed below. Commonly used tags (polyHis, Flag, HA and/or Fc) wereemployed to facilitate secretion and/or subsequent purification.

A soluble heterodimeric CGRP R ECD fused to Fc was prepared by PCRcloning with the appropriate primers into the transient expressionvector pTT5 (Durocher, et al., supra). The CRLR N-terminal ECD-Fcconsisted of the N-terminal extracellular domain of CRLR (SEQ ID NO:6)fused to human IgG1 Fc. The RAMP1 ECD-Fc contains the extracellulardomain of RAMP1 (SEQ ID NO:8) fused to human IgG1 Fc. In both cases,there was a linker consisting of five consecutive glycines between theECD domain and Fc.

The soluble heterodimeric CGRP receptor was expressed by co-transfectingthe two constructs as follows. 293-6E cells at 1×10⁶ cells/ml in shakeflasks were transfected with 0.5 mg/L DNA (hCRLR N-ter ECD-Fc/pTT5 andhuRAMP1 ECD-Fc/pTT5) with 3 ml PEI/mg DNA in FreeStyle 293 media(Invitrogen). Cells were grown in suspension in FreeStyle 293 expressionmedium supplemented with 0.1% Pluronic F68 and 50 μg/ml Geneticin for 7days and harvested for purification.

Purifications from conditioned media (“CM”) were performed by bufferingthe CM with the addition of 50 mM Tris, 400 mM sodium citrate, andadjusting the pH to 8.5. The buffered CM was then passed over a ProteinA affinity column equilibrated in 50 mM Tris, 400 mM sodium citrate andpH adjusted to pH 8.5. The Protein A column was washed with PBS and theFc fusion protein eluted with 0.1 N HOAc. The eluted peak contained bothCRLR and RAMP1 components when tested by western blot using individualantibodies specific to either CRLR or RAMP1. Further LC-MS andN-terminal sequencing confirmed the presence of both CRLR:RAMP1heterodimer and CRLR:CRLR homodimer in approximately (2:3) ratio. This“soluble CGRP receptor” was shown to compete in Alexa647 labeledCGRP₈₋₃₇binding to CGRP receptor expressing recombinant cells in theFMAT analysis, although it failed to bind CGRP ligand as determinedusing Biacore testing. The material was used as an immunogen asdescribed in Example, despite, inter alia, its heterogeneity and lack ofCGRP ligand binding.

E. Generation of Membrane Extracts from Recombinant CGRP ReceptorExpressing Cells

Membrane extracts were prepared from CGRP receptor expressing cellsusing a method described by Bossé, R. et al., (Journal of BiomolecularScreening, 3(4): 285-292 (1998)). Briefly, approximately 5 grams of cellpaste were pelleted in 50 ml of PBS at 3,000 rpm for 10 min at 4° C. andre-suspended in 30 ml of cold lysis buffer (25 mM HEPES, pH 7.4, 3 mMMgCl₂ plus one Roche protease inhibitor cocktail tablet/50 mL). Thelysate was homogenized with Glas-Col (Teflon-glass homogenizer) with ˜20strokes at 5,000 rpm and spun in a JA21 rotor at 20,000 rpm for 15 minat 4° C. This process was repeated once more and the final pellet wasre-suspended in ˜1-5 ml ‘final pellet’ buffer (25 mM HEPES, pH 7.4, 3 mMMgCl₂, 10% (w/v) sucrose plus one Roche protease inhibitor cocktailtablet/50 mL). The membrane extracts were sheared by passing through 16G and 25 G needles 2-3 times. Total membrane protein concentration wasdetermined with a Microplate BCA Protein Assay (Pierce).

EXAMPLE 2 Generation of Antibodies to CGRP Receptor

A. Immunization

Immunizations were conducted using the following forms of CGRP receptorantigens, prepared as described in Example 1:

(i) AM-1 CHO transfectants expressing full length human CRLR and RAMP1at the cell surface, obtained by co-transfecting CHO cells with humanfull length CRLR cDNA (SEQ ID NO:1) encoding a polypeptide having thesequence SEQ ID NO:2, and RAMP1 cDNA (SEQ ID NO:3) encoding apolypeptide having the sequence SEQ ID NO:4

(ii) membrane extract from the cells described in (i) above; and

(iii) soluble CGRP receptor obtained by co-expressing and purifying theN-terminal ECD of CRLR (SEQ ID NO:6) and the extracellular domain (ECD)of RAMP1 (SEQ ID NO:8) as described in Example 1.

XENOMOUSE animals were immunized with purified soluble CGRP receptorprotein and purified CGRP R membranes prepared from AM-1 CHO cellsstably expressing CGRP R in the same manner using doses of 10 μg/mouseand 150 μg/mouse respectively. CGRP membranes were prepared usingmethods described above.

Subsequent boosts were administered at doses of ten μg/mouse of solubleCGRP R or 75 μg of purified CGRP R membranes. XENOMOUSE animals werealso immunized with CGRP receptor-expressing cells using doses of3.4×10⁶ CGRP R transfected cells/mouse and subsequent boosts were of1.7×10⁶ CGRP R transfected cells/mouse. Injection sites used werecombinations of subcutaneous base-of-tail and intraperitoneal.Immunizations were performed in accordance with methods disclosed inU.S. Pat. No. 7,064,244, filed Feb. 19, 2002, the disclosure of which ishereby incorporated by reference. Adjuvants TiterMax Gold (Sigma; cat.#T2684), Alum (E.M. Sergent Pulp and Chemical Co., Clifton, N.J., cat.#1452-250) were prepared according to manufacturers' instructions andmixed in a 1:1 ratio of adjuvant emulsion to antigen solution.

Sera were collected 4-6 weeks after the first injection and specifictiters were determined by FACs staining of recombinant CGRPreceptor-expressing 293EBNA cells.

Mice were immunized with either cells/membranes expressing full lengthCGRP R cells or soluble CGRP R extracellular domain, with a range of11-17 immunizations over a period of approximately one to three andone-half months. Mice with the highest sera titer were identified andprepared for hybridoma generation. The immunizations were performed ingroups of multiple mice, typically ten. Popliteal and inguinal lymphnodes and spleen tissues were typically pooled from each group forgenerating fusions.

B. Preparation of Monoclonal Antibodies

Animals exhibiting suitable titers were identified, and lymphocytes wereobtained from draining lymph nodes and, if necessary, pooled for eachcohort. Lymphocytes were dissociated from lymphoid tissue in a suitablemedium (for example, Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium; DMEM; obtainablefrom Invitrogen, Carlsbad, Calif.) to release the cells from thetissues, and suspended in DMEM. B cells were selected and/or expandedusing a suitable method, and fused with suitable fusion partner, forexample, nonsecretory myeloma P3X63Ag8.653 cells (American Type CultureCollection CRL 1580; Kearney et al, J. Immunol. 123, 1979, 1548-1550).

Lymphocytes were mixed with fusion partner cells at a ratio of 1:4. Thecell mixture was gently pelleted by centrifugation at 400×g for 4minutes, the supernatant decanted, and the cell mixture gently mixed byusing a 1 ml pipette. Fusion was induced with PEG/DMSO (polyethyleneglycol/dimethyl sulfoxide; obtained from Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis Mo.; 1ml per million of lymphocytes). PEG/DMSO was slowly added with gentleagitation over one minute followed, by one minute of mixing. IDMEM (DMEMwithout glutamine; 2 ml per million of B cells), was then added over 2minutes with gentle agitation, followed by additional IDMEM (8 ml permillion B-cells) which was added over 3 minutes.

The fused cells were gently pelleted (400×g 6 minutes) and resuspendedin 20 ml Selection media (for example, DMEM containing Azaserine andHypoxanthine [HA] and other supplemental materials as necessary) permillion B-cells. Cells were incubated for 20-30 minutes at 37° C. andthen resuspended in 200 ml Selection media and cultured for three tofour days in T175 flasks prior to 96-well plating.

Cells were distributed into 96-well plates using standard techniques tomaximize clonality of the resulting colonies. After several days ofculture, the hybridoma supernatants were collected and subjected toscreening assays as detailed in the examples below, includingconfirmation of binding to human CGRP receptor, identification ofblocking antibodies by a ligand binding competition assay and evaluationof cross-reactivity with other receptors related to CGRP receptor (forexample, human Adrenomedullin receptor). Positive cells were furtherselected and subjected to standard cloning and subcloning techniques.Clonal lines were expanded in vitro, and the secreted human antibodiesobtained for analysis.

C. Sequence Analysis of Selected Monoclonal Antibodies

Selected subcloned monoclonal antibodies were sequenced using standardRT-PCR methods. Table 2A shows the amino acid sequences of the lightchains of exemplary antibodies disclosed herein. Table 2B shows theamino acid sequences of the heavy chains of exemplary antibodiesdisclosed herein.

Amino acid sequences corresponding to CDR regions of sequencedantibodies were aligned and the alignments were used to group the clonesby similarity.

Sequence alignments of light chain CDRs from clones having kappa lightchains, and certain corresponding consensus sequences, are shown inFIGS. 3A and 3B.

Sequence alignments of light chain CDRs from clones having lambda lightchains, and certain corresponding consensus sequences, are shown in FIG.4.

Sequence alignments of heavy chain CDRs of exemplary antibodiesdisclosed herein, and certain corresponding consensus sequences, areshown in FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D and 5E.

Certain consensus sequences of exemplary heavy chain CDRs disclosedherein are shown in FIG. 5F.

EXAMPLE 3 Identification of CGRP Receptor Specific Antibodies

A. Selection of CGRP Receptor Specific Binding Antibodies by FMAT

After 14 days of culture, hybridoma supernatants were screened for CGRPR-specific monoclonal antibodies by Fluorometric Microvolume AssayTechnology (FMAT) (Applied Biosystems, Foster City, Calif.). Thesupernatants were screened against either the AM-1 CHO huCGRP R cells orrecombinant HEK 293 cells that were transfected with human CGRP R andcounter-screened against parental HEK293 cells (prepared as described inExample 1).

Briefly, the cells in Freestyle media (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, Calif.)were seeded into 384-well FMAT plates in a volume of 50 μL/well at adensity of approximately 4000 cells/well for the stable transfectants,and at a density of approximately 16,000 cells/well for the parentalcells, and cells were incubated overnight at 37° C. Then, 10 μL/well ofsupernatant was added and plates were incubated for approximately onehour at 4° C., after which 10 μL/well of anti-human IgG-Cy5 secondaryantibody (Jackson Immunoresearch, West Grove, Pa.) was added at aconcentration of 2.8 μg/ml (400 ng/ml final concentration). Plates werethen incubated for one hour at 4° C., and fluorescence was read using anFMAT macroconfocal scanner (Applied Biosystems, Foster City, Calif.).

For counter screens, the parental AM-1 CHO cells or HEK 293 cells wereseeded similarly and supernatants screened by FMAT on these cells inparallel to differentiate and eliminate hybridomas binding to cellularproteins, but not to the CGRP receptor.

B. Identification of Blocking Antibodies by Ligand Binding CompetitionAssay through FMAT

A ligand binding competition method was developed to identify antibodies(in the hybridoma supernatants) that bind CGRP receptor and block CGRPligand binding. 384-wells plates (Corning Costar, Cat:#3712) wereprepared with 5,000 AM-1 huCGRP R Pool 2 cells and 20,000 untransfectedCHO-S cells in each well. 20 μl of anti-CGRP R hybridoma supernatantwere added to each well, and the plates were incubated for 1 hr at roomtemperature. 10 μl of 2.8 μg/ml Alexa647-CGRP₈₋₃₇ peptide were thenadded to each well and the plates were incubated for a further 3 hoursat room temperature. The amount of Alexa647-CGRP₈₋₃₇ bound to the cellswas assayed on a FMAT 8200 Cellular Detection System (AppliedBiosystems). Output data were both a numerical FL1 value of signalintensity (higher FL1 values indicate higher signal intensity) and alsoan image of the cells.

The experiments included negative control hybridoma supernatants. Theaverage FL1 value observed in these negative control experiments wasadopted as the maximum possible signal for the assay. Experimentalsupernatants were compared to this maximum signal and a percentinhibition was calculated for each well (% Inhibition=(1−(FL1 of theanti-CGRP R hybridoma supernatant/Maximum FL1 signal)).

An overview of the data is shown in FIG. 6. In this experiment, 1092anti-CGRP R supernatants were tested using the receptor ligand assay.The data were rank ordered using the average percent inhibition. Ninetysupernatants had >25% average inhibition, 31 of these were >50% and 7were >70% average inhibition.

An abbreviated data set is shown in Table 10, below. Sample ID Nos. 1-5illustrate examples of anti-CGRP R hybridoma supernatants whichinhibited the binding Alexa647-CGRP₈₋₃₇ peptide to CGRP receptor andSample ID Nos 536-540 illustrate examples of anti-CGRP R hybridomasupernatants which did not inhibit the binding of the Alexa647-CGRP₈₋₃₇peptide to the CGRP receptor.

TABLE 10 Exemplary data from FMAT ligand binding competition assay Expt.#1 Expt. #2 Sample % % ID FL1 Image Inhibition FL1 Image Inhibition 12264

84%  2585

88% 2 3007

77%  2804

85% 3 3460

72%  2929

84% 4 3650

70%  3294

79% 5 3764

69%  3246

80% 536 10412

0% 11142

−17%   537 10413

0% 9388

 5% 538 10414

0% 9420

 4% 539 10415

0% 10943

−14%   540 10415

0% 10561

−10%  

Based on the binding competition assays, approximately 30 supernatantswere selected for further characterization.

EXAMPLE 4 Activity of CGRP Receptor Specific Blocking MonoclonalAntibodies in a cAMP Functional Assay

A. CGRP Receptor Antibody Activity.

Selected CGRP receptor antibodies were screened in an in vitro CGRPreceptor mediated cAMP assay to determine intrinsic potency. The invitro cAMP assay employed a human neuroblastoma-derived cell line(SK-N-MC; Spengler, et al., (1973) In Vitro 8: 410) obtained from ATCC(ATCC Number HTB-10; “HTB-10 cells”). HTB-10 cells express CRLR andRAMP1, which form CGRP receptor (L. M. McLatchie et al, 1998). A 293EBNAcell line expressing recombinant cynomolgus CGRP R was generated asdescribed in Example 1, and a rat L6 cell line expressing rat CGRPreceptor was obtained from the ATCC(CRL-1458).

The LANCE cAMP assay kit (PerkinElmer, Boston, Mass.) was used in thescreening. The assays were performed in white 96-well plates in a totalvolume of 60 μL. Briefly, on the day of the assay, the frozen HTB-10cells were thawed at 37° C., cells were washed once with assay bufferand 12 μL of cell suspension containing 10000 cells mixed withAlexa-labeled anti-cAMP antibody was added into 96 half-area whiteplates. After adding 12 μL CGRP receptor antibody, the mixture wasincubated for 30 min at room temperature. Then 12 μL CGRP receptoragonist human ∝-CGRP (1 nM final concentration) was added and furtherincubated for 15 min at room temperature. After human α-CGRPstimulation, 24 μL of detection mix was added and incubated for 60minutes at room temperature and the plates were red on EnVisioninstrument (PerkinElmer, Boston, Mass.) at Em665 nM. Data were processedand analyzed by Prizm (GraphPad Software Inc.) or ActivityBase (IDBS).

FIG. 7A shows exemplary data obtained as described above using the hCGRPreceptor-expressing cell line HTB-10 for three antibodies—3C8, 13H2 and1E11. The data are plotted as percentage over control (“POC”) as afunction of antibody (3C8, 13H2 or 1E11) concentration, and are fittedwith standard nonlinear regression curves to yield the IC50 values shownat the bottom of the figure.

B. Lack of Antibody Activity in Related Receptors.

Cells expressing related receptors AM1 (HEK 293 cells expressinghCRLR+hRAMP2; D. R. Poyner, et al, Pharmacological review, 54:233-246,2002), AM2 (CHO cells expressing hCRLR+hRAMP3; D. R. Poyner, et al,Pharmacological review, 54:233-246, 2002) or human amylin AMY1 receptor(MCF-7 cells hCTR+hRAMP1; Wen-Ji Chen, et al, Molecular pharmacology,52: 1164-1175, 1997) were used to determine the selectivity of thetested antibodies. The AM1-expressing HEK 293 cell line was generated asdescribed in Example 1, above. The AM2-expressing CHO cell line waspurchased from EuroScreen (now PerkinElmer, Inc.); and the human amylinAMY1 receptor-expressing MCF-7 cell line (Zimmermann, et al, Journal ofEndocrinology, 423-431, 1997), was obtained from the ATCC (HTB-22).Exemplary results, plotted as described above, are shown in FIGS. 7B(hAM1-HEK cells), 7C (hAM2-CHO cells) and 7D (hAMY-MCF-7 cells). Notethat none of the tested antibodies had significant inhibitory activityagainst hAM1, hAM2 or hAMY1 receptors over the range tested.

Similar experiments were performed using recombinant HEK cellsexpressing cynomolgus CGRP receptors and rat L6 cells expressing ratCGRP receptor (ATCC). Data from these studies, as well as additionalIC50 data obtained as described in part A of this Example, are shown inthe “cAMP” columns in Table 11, below. Note that the IC50 values againstthe human and cyno CGRP receptors are in the nanomolar range, whereasactivities against rat CGRP receptor, and human AM1, AM2 and AMY1receptors, as well as MCF7 cells expressing calcitonin (data not shown)are all greater than 1 micromolar. The difference in IC50 between humanCGRP receptor and human AM1, AM2, amylin and calcitonin receptorsillustrates the high selectivity of the these antibodies for the CGRPreceptor over related receptors formed in part of the same receptorcomponents. IC50 obtained using human and cynomolgus CGRP receptors weresimilar, whereas the tested antibodies did not appear to cross-reactwith rat CGRP receptor.

TABLE 11 cAMP assay ¹²⁵I assay hCGRP Cyno CGRP Rat CGRP hAmylin hAM1hAM2 Human R IC50 R IC50 R IC50 1 IC50 IC50 IC50 CGRP Ki Clone (nM) (nM)(nM) (nM) (nM) (nM) (nM) 01E11.2 1.77 2.79 >1000 >1000 >1000 >1000 0.03001H7.2 3.27 4.74 >1000 >1000 >1000 >1000 0.079 02A10.1 11.8117.6 >1000 >1000 >1000 >1000 0.291 02E7.2 6.305.51 >1000 >1000 >1000 >1000 0.117 03A5.1 9.8928.9 >1000 >1000 >1000 >1000 0.093 03B6.2 2.742.22 >1000 >1000 >1000 >1000 0.033 03C8.2 6.665.32 >1000 >1000 >1000 >1000 0.044 03H8.2 10.8410.6 >1000 >1000 >1000 >1000 0.111 04E4.2 2.383.52 >1000 >1000 >1000 >1000 0.015 04H6.1 3.785.59 >1000 >1000 >1000 >1000 0.052 05F5.1 4.794.78 >1000 >1000 >1000 >1000 0.147 07B2.1 8.9627.7 >1000 >1000 >1000 >1000 0.116 07B3.1 10.214.1 >1000 >1000 >1000 >1000 0.127 07F1.1 8.9210.5 >1000 >1000 >1000 >1000 0.140 08B11.2 10.717.0 >1000 >1000 >1000 >1000 0.118 09D4.2 1.402.46 >1000 >1000 >1000 >1000 0.023 09F5.2 3.064.44 >1000 >1000 >1000 >1000 0.043 10E4.2 3.083.23 >1000 >1000 >1000 >1000 0.100 11A9.1 16.147.8 >1000 >1000 >1000 >1000 0.157 11D11.1 4.933.85 >1000 >1000 >1000 >1000 0.044 11H9.1 4.565.07 >1000 >1000 >1000 >1000 0.057 12E8.2 2.934.13 >1000 >1000 >1000 >1000 0.097 12G8.2 2.142.74 >1000 >1000 >1000 >1000 0.017 13D6.2 8.2311.8 >1000 >1000 >1000 >1000 0.055 13E2.2 18.349.2 >1000 >1000 >1000 >1000 0.128 13H2.2 1.958.41 >1000 >1000 >1000 >1000 0.033 32H7.1G 1.93 >1000 >1000 >1000

EXAMPLE 5 Radioligand CGRP Binding Assay for Ki Determination ReceptorBlocking Antibodies

¹²⁵I-labeled CGRP (Amersham Biosciences, Piscataway, N.J.) and cellmembranes from HTB-10 cells (PerkinElmer Inc., Waltham, Mass.) were usedfor radioligand binding experiment in the presence of variousconcentrations of the test antibodies to determine the corresponding Kivalues. The CGRP binding assay was set up at room temperature in 96-wellplates containing: 110 μl binding buffer (20 mM Tris-HCl, pH7.5, 5.0 mMMgSO4, 0.2% BSA (Sigma), 1 tablet of Complete™/50 ml buffer (a proteaseinhibitor)); 20 μl test compound (10×); 20 μl ¹²⁵I-hαCGRP (AmershamBiosciences; 10×); and 50 μl human neuroblastoma cell (HTB-10) membranesuspension (10 μg per well, PerkinElmer). The plates were incubated atroom temperature for 2 hours with shaking at 60 rpm, and then thecontents of each well were filtered over 0.5% polyethyleneimine(PEI)-treated (for at least one hour) GF/C 96-well filter plates. TheGF/C filter plates were washed six times with ice-cold 50 mM Tris, pH7.5 and dried in an oven at 55° C. for 1 hour. The bottoms of the GF/Cplates were then sealed. 40 μl Microscint™ 20 was added to each well,the tops of the GF/C plates were sealed with TopSeal™-A (a press-onadhesive sealing film), and the GF/C plates were counted with TopCountNXT (Packard). The data were analyzed using Prizm (GraphPad SoftwareInc.)

Exemplary data and Ki values obtained using antibodies 3C8, 12H2 and1E11 are shown in FIG. 8.

The right-most column in Table 11, above, lists the Ki values of theindicated mAbs in the radiolabeled ¹²⁵I-CGRP competition binding assayto HTB-10 cell membranes. The data demonstrate that the CGRP receptorantibodies were highly competitive (all sub-nanomolar range) againstCGRP binding.

EXAMPLE 6 FACS Binding Assay for Kd Determination of CGRP ReceptorBlocking Antibodies

The affinities of anti-CGRP R mAbs for CGRP receptors expressed on cellswere determined using a FACS method. Briefly, AM-1 CHO huCGRPR-expressing cells, prepared as described above, were plated in 96-wellplates at densities of 16,000 or 160,000 cells per well in DMEM mediumcontaining 10% FBS, NEAA, PS, L Glut, NaPyr and 0.05% sodium azide. CGRPreceptor antibodies were titrated in the same medium from 50 nM to 1 μMand incubated with cells. After an overnight incubation at 4° C. in atotal volume of 120 μl, on a plate shaker, the cells were washed 2× withPBS+2% FBS, centrifuging and discarding supernatant each time. 100μl/well of G anti-Hu Fc Cy5 (5 μg/mL; Jackson ImmunoResearchLaboratories Inc., West Grove, Pa., USA) containing 7AAD (5 μl/well) wasthen added and incubated at 4° C. for 40 min. The cells were washed 2×with PBS+2% FBS, centrifuging and discarding the supernatant each time.100 μl PBS+2% FBS buffer was then added and analyzed by FACS todetermined the binding geomean. The Kd was calculated using KinExAsoftware by taking the negative geomean at each antibody concentrationas the amount of free Ab present Rathanaswami, et al., Biochemical andBiophysical Research Communications 334 (2005) 1004-1013. The dataobtained at the two different cell concentrations were analyzed byn-curve analysis to determine the Kd and the 95% confidence interval asdescribed in Rathanaswami, et al., Biochemical and Biophysical ResearchCommunications 334 (2005) 1004-1013.

Exemplary data with corresponding curve fits are shown in FIG. 10 forantibody 12G8.2. The data of eight blocking antibodies generated insupport of the present disclosure are shown in Table 12. One of theantibodies (3B6) was analyzed on two different days. The ratio of 0.9obtained for the experiment with 16K cells indicates that the antigenconcentration is predicted as 0.9× the Kd and hence the curve obtainedby this experiment is a Kd controlled curve. It can be appreciated thatthe Kd values obtained in this manner were in the low single-digitnanomolar range for all tested antibodies.

TABLE 12 N curve analysis Kd Kd Low Kd High Ratio (nM) (nM) (nM) % error16K 1H7 1.9 1.5 3 3.8 0.001 2E7 1.5 0.7 3.4 6.3 0.19 3B6 (a) 1.7 1.1 2.75.3 0.060 3B6 (b) 2.0 1.6 2.6 3.2 0.21 4E4 1.3 0.9 2.05 3.9 0.16 4H6 2.41.78 4.35 3.8 0.070 9D4 2.5 1.8 4.39 4.3 0.060 12E8 2.3 1.58 3.36 3.70.55 12G8 1.4 0.92 2.21 3.6 0.94

EXAMPLE 7 Binning of CGRP Receptor Blocking Antibodies by Bicore BindingCompetition

Biacore analyses (Karlsson, R. et al., Methods; A Companion to Methodsin Enzymology, 6: 99-110 (1994) were carried out as follows.Immobilization of anti-CGRP receptor antibodies to the CM5 sensor chipsurface was performed according to manufacturer's instructions, using acontinuous flow of 10 mM HEPES, 0.15M NaCl, 3.4 mM EDTA, 0.005% P-20, pH7.4 (HBS-EP buffer). Carboxyl groups on the sensor chip surfaces wereactivated by injecting 60 μL of a mixture containing 0.2 M N-ethyl-N′(dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide (EDC) and 0.05 M N-hydroxysuccinimide(NHS). Specific surfaces were obtained by injecting 180 μl of anti-CGRPreceptor antibody diluted in 10 mM acetate, pH 4.0 at a concentration of30 μg/mL. Excess reactive groups on the surfaces were deactivated byinjecting 60 μL of 1 M ethanolamine. Final immobilized levels for theindividual antibodies were as follows:

Antibody Resonance Units (RU) 11D11 ~5,900 3B6 ~7,200 4H6 ~8,000 12G8~7,800 9F5 ~6,600 34E3 ~3,700A blank, mock-coupled reference surface was also prepared on the sensorchip. Soluble huCGRP receptor at a concentration of 100 nM was capturedon sensor chips having one of the six immobilized antibodies referencedabove (11D11, 3B6, 4H6, 12G8, 9F5 or 34E3). Each of the 20 testanti-CGRP R antibodies was then injected over the captured huCGRPreceptor. If the injected antibody recognized a distinct epitoperelative to that recognized by the immobilized antibody, a secondbinding event would be observed. If the antibodies recognize the same orvery similar epitopes, only the binding of the huCGRP receptor would beobserved.

Exemplary data obtained using a sensor chip coated with immobilizedantibody 3B6 are shown in FIG. 9A. The four traces are data obtainedusing antibodies 1E11, 4E4, 2E7 and 12G8 in the injected solution.Events during the experiment are represented by letters, with “A”corresponding to injection of huCGRP R-Fc, “B” corresponding to end ofthe huCGRP R-Fc injection, “C” corresponding to injection of second mAb,and “D” corresponding to end second mAb injection and start of thebuffer wash. Note that there is no indication of any binding signal fromany of the injected antibody on the immobilized antibody surface,indicating that the four injected antibodies apparently recognize thesame or very similar epitope(s) as the immobilized antibody. Essentiallythe same results were observed with all tested blocking antibodieswashed over each the five immobilized neutralizing antibody surfaces,indicating that all tested anti-huCGRP receptor blocking antibodiesrecognize the same or very similar and strongly overlapping epitope(s).

In contrast, as shown in part in FIGS. 9B, 9C and 9D, the four testednon-blocking, CGRP receptor specific antibodies 32H8, 33B5, 33E4 and34E3 failed to compete with 11D11 (data not shown), 3B6 (FIG. 9B), 12G8(FIG. 9C) and 9F5 (data not shown) although 34E3 was able to competewith 4H6 (FIG. 9D) and weakly with 32H7 (data not shown). 32H8 failed tocompete with 3B6, 4H6, 12G8, 9F5 or the non-blocking antibody 34E3, but33B5 and 33E4 could compete with the non-blocking antibody 34E3. Thedata for all blocking and non-blocking antibodies are summarized inTable 13, below. “NB” indicates no binding; “+” indicates significantbinding; and “Weak” indicates weak binding.

TABLE 13 Immobilized Antibodies Ab in Solution 11D11 3B6 4H6 12G8 9F534E3 1E11 NB NB NB NB NB + 1H7 NB NB NB NB NB + 2E7 NB NB NB NB NB + 3B6NB NB NB NB NB + 3C8 NB NB NB NB NB + 4E4 NB NB NB NB NB + 4H6 NB NB NBNB NB NB 5F5 NB NB NB NB NB + 9D4 NB NB NB NB NB + 9F5 NB NB NB NB NB +10E4 NB NB NB NB NB + 11D11 NB NB NB NB NB + 11H9 NB NB NB NB NB + 12E8NB NB NB NB NB + 12G8 NB NB NB NB NB + 13H2 NB NB NB NB NB + 32H7 NB NBNB NB NB Weak 32H8 + + + + + + 33B5 + + + + + NB 33E4 + + + + + NB

As can be appreciated from the data, all the tested blocking orneutralizing antibodies bind to the same region as the five immobilizedblocking antibodies; i.e., all of the tested neutralizing antibodiesbind the same region of the CGRP R molecule. On the other hand, thenon-blocking antibodies did not generally compete with the immobilizedblocking antibodies, indicating that the non-blocking antibodiesprimarily bind a different region of CGRP R.

EXAMPLE 8 Binding of CGRP Receptor Antibodies to Soluble CGRP Receptorin Western Blot

Three representative CGRP receptor blocking antibodies were tested usingWestern blots for binding to a soluble CGRP receptor-muFc fusionprotein.

100 ng of purified CGRP R-muFc (produced and purified as described abovefor the CGRP R-huFc except the mouse Fc was used and the linker betweenRAMP1 or CRLR ECD and muFc was changed to “GGGGGVDGGGGGV” (SEQ IDNO:213)) was diluted in PBS with PAGE sample buffer with (reduced) orwithout (non-reduced) beta-mercaptoethanol (βME) at 13.3% concentration.The sample containing βME was then boiled for 4 min. Reduced andnon-reduced samples were loaded onto separate 4-20% Tris-glycine gels(Invitrogen) with alternating lanes of CGRP R-Fc protein and molecularweight markers (Invitrogen). Gels were electroblotted onto 0.2 μmnitrocellulose filters (Invitrogen). The blots were washed withTris-buffered saline +1% Tween 20 (TBST) and then blocked with TBST+5%powered dry milk for 30 min. The blots were cut into strips along themolecular weight marker lanes. One strip each with reduced andnon-reduced CGRP R-muFc were incubated with purified huCGRP R antibodies4E4, 9F5, or 3B6 (1:500 dilution in TBST+5% milk), goat anti-huRAMP1N-20 (1:500; Santa Cruz Biotechnology, Inc), rabbit anti-mouseIgG-Fc-HRP (1:10,000) (Pierce), or goat anti-human IgG-Fc-HRP (1:10,000)(Pierce). Blots were incubated with the antibodies for one hour followedby 3×10 min washes with TBST+1% milk. The blots treated with the huCGRPR antibodies were then incubated with goat anti-mouse IgG-Fc-HRP(1:10,000 in TBST+1% milk) and the blots treated with anti-huRAMP1 (N-20anti-RAMP1 goat polyclonal antibody, Santa Cruz Biotech, CA) wereincubated with rabbit anti-goat IgG-Fc-HRP (1:10,000) for 20 min. Blotswere washed 3×15 min with TBST. The huCGRP R and anti-huRAMP1 antibodyblots were treated with Pierce Supersignal West Pico Detection reagent,and the anti-mouse and anti-human IgG-Fc-HRP blots were treated withPierce standard Detection Reagent (1 min.). Blots were then exposed withKodak Biomax MS X-ray film.

All of the three CGRP receptor antibodies, 4E4, 9F5 and 3B6 were able todetect the soluble CGRP R-muFc (containing RAMP1-ECD and CRLR ECD) undernon-reduced condition but not under reduced condition indicating thatthe binding epitope of these CGRP R antibodies was conformational andsensitive to the disulfide linkages (3 pairs in RAMP1-ECD and 3 pairs inCRLR N-ter ECD). In contrast, the commercial anti-RAMP1 antibody N-20(Santa Cruz Biotech) bound RAMP 1 under both reduced and no reducedconditions indicating that the binding site for N-20 antibody wasprimarily linear and not sensitive to disulfide linkages.

EXAMPLE 9 Binding of CGRP Receptor Blocking Antibodies to ChimericReceptors

CGRP receptors formed of either native RAMP1 with chimeric CRLR, ornative CRLR with chimeric RAMP1, were used to identify CGRP receptorsequences involved in antibody binding. Since all of the human CGRPreceptor blocking antibodies tested failed to show functional activityto the rat CGRP receptor, the chimeric components contained regions ofrat sequence in a human sequence background. The following chimeras weregenerated for binding analysis by FACS:

RAMP1 chimera#1 (Q28 to A34); SEQ ID NO:217

Amino acid residues Q28 to A34 in the human RAMP1 were replaced with thecorresponding sequences from rat RAMP1. This stretch included five aminoacid residues that are different between human and rat RAMP1.

RAMP1 chimera#2 (Q43 to E53); SEQ ID NO:218

Amino acid residues Q43 to E53 in the human RAMP1 were replaced with thecorresponding sequences from rat RAMP1. This stretch included six aminoacid residues that are different between human and rat RAMP1.

RAMP1 chimera#3 (R67 to E78); SEQ ID NO:219

Amino acid residues R67 to E78 in the human RAMP1 were replaced with thecorresponding sequences from rat RAMP1. This stretch included sevenamino acid residues that are different between human and rat RAMP1.

CRLR chimera#1 (L24 to Q33); SEQ ID NO:223

Amino acid residues L24 to Q33 in the human CRLR were replaced with thecorresponding sequences from rat CRLR. This stretch included eight aminoacid residues that are different between human and rat CRLR.

FIG. 11 shows an alignment of RAMP1 amino acid sequences from cynomolgusmonkey (SEQ ID NO:215), human (SEQ ID NO:4), rat (SEQ ID NO:214) andrhesus monkey (SEQ ID NO:216), together with sequences of RAMP1 chimera#1 (SEQ ID NO:217), chimera #2 (SEQ ID NO:218) and chimera #3 (SEQ IDNO:219). FIGS. 12A and 12B show an alignment of CRLR amino acidsequences from human (SEQ ID NO:2), cynomolgus monkey (SEQ ID NO:221),rhesus monkey (SEQ ID NO:222), rat (SEQ ID NO:220) and, as well as theamino acid sequence of CRLR chimera #1 (SEQ ID NO:223).

293-6E cells were transiently transfected with CGRP R chimera DNAconstructs (CRLR wt+RAMP1 Q28-A34; CRLR wt+RAMP1 Q43-E53; CRLR wt+RAMP1R67-E78; CRLR L24-Q33+RAMP wt; CRLR wt+RAMP1 wt; pTT5 vector control).Cells were harvested after 72 hr, washed with PBS+0.5% BSA, and counted.Each transfected cell line was resuspended at a dilution of 5×10⁵ cellsper 100 μl PBS/BSA. 100 μl of cell suspension was aliquot per well in a96-well round-bottom plate (Falcon). The cells were pelleted at 1200 rpmfor 5 min. The supernatant was removed and replaced with 100 μlcontaining 0.5 μg purified huCGRP R antibodies 1H7, 2E7, 3B6, 9F5, 4H6,12G8, 3C8, 10E4, 11D11, 32H8, or 33B5. Control wells were treated withanti-DNP huIgG2 (0.5 μg), Alexa647-CGRP peptide (0.5 μg), or PBS/BSAalone. Cells were incubated on ice for 1 hr. and then washed twice withPBS/BSA. The cells were resuspended in 100 μl/well PBS/BSA containinganti-hug-Fc-FITC (0.5 μg) (except for Alexa647-CGRP treated cells).Cells were incubated on ice in the dark for 1 hr. and then washed twicewith PBS/BSA. Cells were resuspended in 200 μl PBS/BSA and analyzedusing a FACS Calibur.

Ten representative blocking antibodies (3B6, 9F5, 4H6, 12G8, 3C8, 10E4,32H7, 4E4, 11D11 and 1H7) and two non-blocking antibody (32H8 and 33B5)were tested. Representative data (9F5 antibody) are shown in FIGS. 13A,13B and 13C. FIG. 13A shows binding to the wild-type CGRP receptor; FIG.13B show binding to CGRP receptors containing the CRLR L24-Q33 chimera,and FIG. 13C show binding to CGRP receptors containing the RAMP1 Q28-A34chimera. The FACS analysis showed that all 12 antibodies bind wild typehuman CGRP receptor control as expected. All 12 antibodies showedsignificantly reduced binding to any of the three RAMP1 chimera RAMP1(Q28-A34), (Q43-E53) and (R67-E78). This could result from (1) theexpression level of the chimera receptor was much lower, (2) the RAMP1chimera impaired the folding with human CRLR and altered theconformation of the receptor complex, and/or (3) these three selectedregions on RAMP1 are directly involved in the binding of theseantibodies to CGRP receptor.

When the FACS tracing were gated to include only the very small“expressing” cell populations, the non-blocking antibodies 33B5 and 32H8appeared to consistently bind less well (lower Geo Means) to the RAMP1Q43-E53 chimera as compared to the blocking antibodies, suggestingbinding to the RAMP1 Q43-E53 region may be more important for thenon-blocking antibodies. On the other hand, 33B5 and 32H8 consistentlybound better to the RAMP1 R67-E78 chimera than the blocking antibodies,suggesting the RAMP1 R67-E78 sequence may be more important for theblocking antibodies.

All CGRP receptor antibodies tested bound reasonably well to the CRLRchimera (L24-Q33), suggesting this site is not essential for binding ofblocking antibodies.

In summary, the data show that three discontinuous regions onRAMP1—(Q28-A34), (Q43-E53) and (R67-E78)—could be involved in CGRPreceptor antibody binding, with (R67-E78) more important to the blockingantibodies. The N-terminal sequences (L24-Q33) of CRLR did not appear tobe critically involved in binding for the CGRP receptor antibodies asanalyzed by this method. This approach does not rule out additionalbinding sites that share identical or similar sequences between humanand rat CGRP receptors which were not targeted in the analysis.

EXAMPLE 10 Identification of Human CGRP R Epitopes for Anti-CGRP RNeutralizing Antibodies by Protease Protection Assay

The CRLR portion in the mature form of the CRLR-Fc fusion molecule (withsignal peptide removed; disclosed herein as SEQ ID NO:10) contains 116amino acids (preceding the glycine linker) and has three large loopstructures created by formation of three disulfide bonds. The threedisulfide bonds in CRLR are Cys1 at sequence position 26 (all CRLRsequence positions listed in this paragraph are with respect to themature sequence presented as SEQ ID NO:10) linked to Cys3 at sequenceposition 52 (referred to as CRLR C1-C3), Cys2 at sequence position 43linked to Cys5 at sequence position 83 (referred to as CRLR C2-C5), Cys4at sequence position 66 linked to Cys6 at sequence position 105(referred to as CRLR C4-C6). RAMP1 portion in mature form of RAMP1-Fcfusion molecule contains 91 amino acids (SEQ ID NO:11) preceding theglycine linker, which also forms three intramolecular disulfide bonds.The three disulfide bonds in RAMP1 are Cys1 at sequence position 1 (allRAMP1 sequence positions listed in this paragraph are with respect tothe mature sequence presented as SEQ ID NO:11) linked to Cys5 atsequence position 56 (referred to as RAMP1 C1-C5), Cys2 at sequenceposition 14 linked to Cys4 at sequence position 46 (referred to as RAMP1C2-C4), Cys3 at sequence position 31 linked to Cys6 at sequence position78 (referred to as RAMP1 C3-C6).

Regions of the human CGRP receptor protein bound by anti-CGRPneutralizing monoclonal antibodies were identified by fragmenting h CGRPR into peptides with specific proteases, and determining the sequence ofthe resulting h CGRP R peptides (i.e., both disulfide- andnon-disulfide-containing peptide fragments for CRLR and RAMP1 portions).A protease protection assay was then performed to determine theproteolytic digestion of hCGRP R in the presence of binding monoclonalantibodies. The general principle of this assay is that binding of a mAbto CGRP R can result in protection of certain specific protease cleavagesites and this information can be used to determine the region orportion of CGRP R where the mAb binds to.

Briefly, the peptide digests were subjected to HPLC peptide mapping; theindividual peaks were collected, and the peptides identified and mappedby on-line electrospray ionization LC-MS (ESI-LC-MS) analyses and/or byN-terminal sequencing. All HPLC analyses for these studies wereperformed using a narrow bore reverse-phase C18 column (2.1 mm i.d.×15cm length; Zorbax 300SB, 5 μm, Agilent Technologies) for off-lineanalysis and using a capillary reverse phase C18 column (0.5 mm i.d.×25cm Vydac C18 MS, 5 μm; The Separation Group) for LC-MS. HPLC peptidemapping was performed with a linear gradient from 0.05% trifluoroaceticacid (mobile phase A) to 90% acetonitrile in 0.05% trifluoroacetic acid.Columns were developed over 90 minutes at a flow rate of 0.25 ml/min fornarrow bore HPLC for off-line or on-line LC-MS analyses, and 0.018ml/min for capillary HPLC for on-line LC-MS analyses.

Mature form human CGRP R was digested with AspN (which cleaves afteraspartic acid and some glutamic acid residues at the amino end) byincubating about 100 μg of CGRP R at 1.0 mg/ml in 0.1M sodium phosphate(pH 6.5) for 20 hrs at 37° C. with 2 μg of AspN.

HPLC chromatography of the AspN digests generated a peptide profile asshown in FIG. 14 (each sample 30 μg injected), chromatogram labeled Afor CGRP R alone (concentration 1 mg/ml), while a control digestion witha similar amount of CGRP R neutralizing antibody, clone 12G8, shows thatthe antibody is essentially resistant to AspN endoproteinase(chromatogram labeled B; CGRP R:antibody ratio, 100:2; 100:7; 100:20,weight by weight, respectively). Sequence analyses were conducted byon-line LC-MS/MS and by Edman sequencing on the peptide peaks recoveredfrom HPLC. On-line ESI LC-MS analyses of the peptide digest wereperformed to determine the precise mass and sequence of the peptidesthat were separated by HPLC. The identities of several peptides presentin the peptide peaks from the AspN digestion were thus determined(indicated as numbered peaks in FIG. 14). Table 14, below, shows thelocations of these peptide sequences in the corresponding component(CRLR or RAMP1) of the hCGRP R. A capital letter C followed by a numberor X represents a peptide identified as a CRLR peptide; a capital letterR followed by a number or X is a RAMP1 peptide and “Fc” represents thelarge, undigested Fc fragment released from the CRLR-Fc and RAMP1-Fcfusion molecules.

TABLE 14 CRLR and RAMP1 peptides identified by peptide mapping of CGRP RAspN digestion Sequence Intact Peptide location Disulfide (#) massOrigin C1 E111-V122 0 1059 CRLR C2 D33-A38 0 670 CRLR C3 D55-M63 0 880CRLR C4 D68-Q71 0 571 CRLR C5 D55-P67/D86-H110 n.d. CRLR C6 D8-Y24 01938 CRLR C7 E25-Q32/D48-N54 1 1933 CRLR C-X 3 n.d. CRLR R1 D32-A44 01622 RAMP1 R2 E12-V20/D45-A51 1 1939 RAMP1 R-X C1-R86 3 10049 RAMP1 Fc20500 RAMP1/CRLR

FIG. 15 shows a comparison of an AspN digestion experiment (each sample30 μg injected) with CGRP R alone (chromatogram labeled A) with oneperformed in the presence of neutralizing antibody 12G8 (chromatogramlabeled B). The weight ratio of CGRP R:antibody was 1:1. Several peaks(C5, C6, and C7) show a decreased in peak height in chromatogram Brelative to chromatogram A, while two other peaks (C-X and R-X) show anincrease in peak height in chromatogram B relative to chromatogram A. Asimilar peptide map pattern was also observed if a differentneutralizing anti-CGRP R antibody (10E4, 3B6, 3C8 or 4E4) at a similarquantity was present in the digestion sample as seen in the chromatogramlabeled C. Both C6 and C7 are disulfide linked peptides which cover amajor portion of the CRLR molecule while C5 is a CRLR non-disulfidecontaining peptide residing at the N-terminal end of the molecule and ispenultimate to the C7 disulfide peptide. Peak C-X contains three CRLRdisulfide bonds with multiple sequences, indicating at least two tothree peptides are linked together by disulfide bonds. The fact thatpeak C-X has increased peak height in a CGRP R digest in the presence ofCGRP neutralizing antibody indicates that the antibody has protectedCGRP R from AspN digestion at several cleavage sites related to Glu25and Asp55. The antibody does not appear to have a significant protectiveeffect on Asp33 and Asp72 as peak intensity for peptides C2 and C4 didnot decrease at all. Therefore the antibody appears to bind to a regionof CRLR which includes the CRLR C1-C3 and CRLR C4-C6 disulfide regiontogether with the loop region between Cys53 and Cys66.

The AspN mapping of hCGRP R also identified a RAMP1 disulfide peptide(R2) and a RAMP1 non-disulfide peptide (R1) (see Table 14 and FIG. 14).In the presence of any of the above-mentioned neutralizing antibodies(12G8, 10E4, 4E4, 3B6 or 3C8), peptide R-X was recovered at asignificantly higher peak intensity than what was obtained from thedigestion with no antibody in the sample. Mass and sequence analysesshowed that R-x contains a single polypeptide chain corresponding to theRAMP1 sequence between Cys1 and Arg86. These experiments indicate thatCGRP R neutralizing antibody can protect a significant region of RAMP1from AspN proteolytic digestion.

To assess whether the protective effect of CGRP R AspN proteolysis isspecific to CGRP R-neutralizing (blocking) antibodies (as compared withanti-CGRP R non-neutralizing antibodies), an AspN digestion of CGRP Rwas performed in the presence of an unrelated control monoclonalantibody which does not neutralize CGRP R activity. The results areshown in FIG. 15 in chromatogram D. The non-neutralizing antibody doesnot show any significant blocking effect on CGRP R AspN proteolysis;indeed, the peptide map profile (chromatogram D) is nearlyindistinguishable in the relevant aspects to the profile derived fromdigestion of CGRP R alone (chromatogram A).

The proteolysis protection effect was dependent on the concentrationadded to the digestion sample. As seen in FIG. 16, a fixed CGRP Rquantity in the sample (100 μg) with variable amounts of anti-CGRP Rneutralizing antibody 4E4 (CGRP R:antibody ratio in micrograms, 100:2;100:7; 100:20, weight by weight, respectively) was performed for Aspenproteolysis. The protection profile can be observed and the protectionis antibody concentration-dependent.

Taken together, these data demonstrate that blocking or neutralizinganti-CGRP R antibodies disclosed herein can block CGRP R (on both CRLRand RAMP1 components) from AspN proteolysis, suggesting that theblocking antibodies bind to both CRLR and RAMP1 when these antibodiesbind to the CGRP receptor. Further, the protection effect isantibody-concentration dependent. These results also indicate that CGRPR neutralizing antibodies bind to common regions on human CGRP R whichare close the Asp N cleavage sites.

EXAMPLE 11 Commercially-Available Anti-RAMP1 and Anti-CRLR Antibodies ina cAMP Functional Assay

Commercially-available antibodies directed against one or the othercomponents (RAMP1 or CRLR) of the human CGRP receptor were screened inthe CGRP receptor mediated cAMP assay using HTB-10 cells as described inExample 4, above, to determine whether the antibodies had biologicalactivity. The data are presented in Table 15, below. The antibodies hadeither no detectable (“ND”), very weak (“VW”) or weak (“W”) biologicalactivity over a concentration range where the exemplary antibodiesdisclosed herein had strong biological activity.

TABLE 15 Commercially-available antibody activity Antigen or Name Sourceepitope Vendor HTB-10 activity CRLR Rabbit N-terminal ECD Abcam Inc., NDantibody polyclonal Ab of hCRLR Cambridge, MA (ab13164) CALCRL RabbitN-terminal ECD GenWay ND antibody polyclonal Ab of hCRLR Biotech, Inc.,San Diego, CA CRLR (N-18) Goat polyclonal epitope mapping Santa Cruz VWAb near N-terminus Biotech of hCRLR CRLR (H-42) Rabbit aa23-64 of SantaCruz ND polyclonal Ab hCRLR Biotech CALCRL Mouse aa23-133 of Novus VWAntibody polyclonal Ab hCRLR Biologicals, Inc. (A01) RAMP1 (N- Goatpolyclonal epitope mapping Santa Cruz ND 20) Ab at N-terminus of BiotechhCRLR RAMP1 Mouse aa27-118 of Novus W Antibody polyclonal Ab hRAMP1Biologicals, (M01) Inc., Littleton, CO RAMP1 Mouse aa27-118 of Novus NDAntibody (1F1) monoclonal Ab hRAMP1 Biologicals, Inc. RAMP1 Mousefull-length of Abcam, Inc. W antibody polyclonal Ab hRAMP1 (ab67151)RAMP1 (FL- Rabbit full length Santa Cruz ND 148) polyclonal Ab hRAMP1Biotech, Santa Cruz, CA

EXAMPLE 12 Immunohistochemistry Staining of Cells Expressing DifferentReceptor Components

2-4×10⁶ cells were injected per colla plug (Integra LifeSciences Co.,Plainsboro, N.J.). Colla plugs were embedded in OCT medium (SakuraFinetek Inc., Torrance, Calif.), frozen at −20° C. and cut into 20 μmsections using a cryostat. Sections were fixed with 4% paraformaldehydefor 1 hour at room temperature (RT) and subsequently washed inphosphate-buffered saline (PBS). Endogenous peroxidase was blocked with3% H₂O₂/PBS for 15 min and sections were incubated in blocking solution(PBS with 3% normal goat serum (Vector Labs, Burlingame, Calif.) and0.3% triton X-100) for 1 hour. Subsequently, sections were incubated inhuman anti-CGRP receptor primary antibody (32H7, 0.03-0.1 μg/ml) at 4°C. over night, washed in PBS and incubated in secondary antibody(biotinylated goat anti-human IgG Fc fragment, 1:800, JacksonImmunoresearch, West Grove, Pa.) in 1% normal goat serum/PBS for 1 hourat RT. Immunoreactivity was amplified using the Vector Elite Kitaccording to the manufacturer's instructions (Vector Labs, Burlingame,Calif.) and staining was developed using 3,3′-diaminobenzidine-nickel aschromogen (Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis, Mo.). Sections were cleared withxylene and cover slipped with Permount (Fisher Chemicals, Fair Lawn,N.J.). Immunoreactivity was analyzed using a Nikon E-800 microscope andassociated software (Nikon, Melville, N.Y.).

Data from cells expressing different receptor components (as identifiedbelow) using antibody 32H7 as described above revealed pronouncedstaining of CHO cells expressing recombinant human CGRP receptor(CRLR+RAMP1; “CHO/CGRP R cells”) and weaker staining of SK-N-MC cellsthat endogenously express CGRP receptors (due to much lower receptordensity). No staining was observed in the parent CHO cell line, CHOcells expressing an unrelated recombinant protein (TRPM8), CHO/CGRP Rcells after preabsorption with the corresponding 32H7 antigen, CHO cellsexpressing recombinant human adrenomedullin receptor 2 (CRLR+RAMP3),MCF-7 cells endogenously expressing amylin receptors, HEK cellsexpressing recombinant human adrenomedullin receptor 1 (CRLR+RAMP2), orthe parent HEK cells. The data from these experiments are summarized inTable 16, below.

TABLE 16 Immunohistochemical staining intensity of indicated cells Cellline Staining intensity (visual score) CGRP/CHO  4+ SK-N-MC  1+ CHO 0TRPM8/CHO 0 CGRP/CHO preadsorbed 0 AM2/CHO 0 MCF-7 0 AM1/HEK 0 HEK 0

All patents and other publications identified are expressly incorporatedherein by reference for the purpose of describing and disclosing, forexample, the methodologies described in such publications that might beused in connection with the subject matter disclosed herein. Thesepublications are provided solely for their disclosure prior to thefiling date of the present application. Nothing in this regard should beconstrued as an admission that the inventors are not entitled toantedate such disclosure by virtue of prior invention or for any otherreason. All statements as to the date or representation as to thecontents of these documents is based on the information available to theapplicants and does not constitute any admission as to the correctnessof the dates or contents of these documents.

What is claimed is:
 1. An isolated antibody or antigen-binding fragmentthereof, wherein said antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereofspecifically binds the human CGRP receptor and comprises a CDRH1 havingthe sequence of SEQ ID NO:73, a CDRH2 having the sequence of SEQ IDNO:74, a CDRH3 having the sequence of SEQ ID NO:75, a CDRL1 having thesequence of SEQ ID NO:42, a CDRL2 having the sequence of SEQ ID NO:43,and a CDRL3 having the sequence of SEQ ID NO:44.
 2. The isolatedantibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof of claim 1, wherein theisolated antibody is a monoclonal antibody selected from the groupconsisting of a fully human antibody and a chimeric antibody.
 3. Theisolated antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof of claim 1,wherein the antibody is a monoclonal IgG1 or monoclonal IgG2 antibody.4. The isolated antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof of claim 1,wherein the isolated antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereofspecifically binds to human CGRP receptor with a K_(D) ≦100 nM.
 5. Theisolated antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof of claim 4,wherein the isolated antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereofspecifically binds to human CGRP receptor with a K_(D) ≦10 nM asdetermined using a FACS binding assay.
 6. The isolated antibody orantigen-binding fragment thereof of claim 1, wherein said antibody orantigen-binding fragment thereof comprises (i) a heavy chain variableregion (V_(H)) sequence that has at least 95% sequence identity with SEQID NO:158, and (ii) a light chain variable region (V_(L)) sequence thathas at least 95% sequence identity with SEQ ID NO:142.
 7. The isolatedantibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof of claim 1 wherein theisolated antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof is selected fromthe group consisting of a monoclonal antibody, a Fab fragment, an Fab′fragment, an F(ab′)₂ fragment, an Fv fragment, a diabody, and a singlechain antibody.
 8. The isolated antibody or antigen-binding fragmentthereof of claim 7, wherein the isolated antibody or antigen-bindingfragment thereof is a monoclonal antibody selected from the groupconsisting of a fully human antibody and a chimeric antibody.
 9. Theisolated antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof of claim 8,wherein the monoclonal antibody is an IgG1-, IgG2-, IgG3-, or IgG4-typeantibody.
 10. The isolated antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereofof claim 9, wherein the monoclonal antibody is an IgG1 or IgG2 antibody.11. The isolated antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof of claim6, wherein the isolated antibody is a monoclonal antibody selected fromthe group consisting of a fully human antibody and a chimeric antibody.12. The isolated antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof of claim6, wherein the antibody is a monoclonal IgG1 or monoclonal IgG2antibody.
 13. An isolated antibody that specifically binds the humanCGRP receptor and comprises a heavy chain variable region (V_(H))comprising the sequence of SEQ ID NO:158, and a light chain variableregion (V_(L)) comprising the sequence of SEQ ID NO:142.
 14. An isolatedantibody that specifically binds the human CGRP receptor and comprises aheavy chain comprising the sequence of SEQ ID NO:29, and a light chaincomprising the sequence of SEQ ID NO:17.
 15. A pharmaceuticalcomposition comprising an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereofof claim 1 and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.